BY KAHA GEDI

Did you know that we can live one second of our lives without social media? Yes, I would have never guessed this truly rare phenomenon to be true!

Fortunately, it’s possible because people, including me, who spend more than two to three hours per day mindlessly scrolling are getting way out of hand. Recently, I found an amazing Forbes article titled “3 Things You’ll Notice During Your First ‘Digital Detox’—By a Psychologist.” In this article, I will be talking about the benefits of a ‘digital detox,’ and how taking a break from social media and screens refreshes our minds and routines.

We spend a sizable chunk of our day wasting time, checking our phones too early in the morning, and mindlessly scrolling through social media networks like: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. No matter how hard we try, we just cannot put it down. Forbes states that as the new year approaches, we will be reflecting on our habits, and goals, and ask introspective questions like “What will I change?” However, one question we do not ask enough is “What do I actually like?” This question is so simple yet now in the “digital age” we might have difficulty answering it.

The article talks about how much time is spent on these networks to the point that we have become out of touch with real-world activities that used to bring us joy. As well as, if we considered taking a break from social media entirely by deleting these apps off our phones, except the ones needed for work, or school of course like: YouTube, TikTok, and others (you would know more than I do), for at least a week, we’ll notice three things in our lives.

First, you will notice just how much time social media occupies in your day. You will reach for it, but then be met with the realization that you’ve deleted it. This happens quite often especially if this is your first detox because you can’t just get rid of something that’s been ingrained into your schedule so quickly. You also will notice how much it has held you hostage. Spending 45% of our waking hours on screens, which is nearly half our day excluding sleep, has extreme consequences such as: cognitive declines, slowed learning, lowered self-esteem and increased severity of mental health symptoms. This isn’t surprising, because more commonly than not people obsessed with social media use it to fill a void in their lives and ignore what they can’t seem to handle, or face. This can cause avoidant coping mechanisms.

According to Verywellmind,com, “Avoidance coping is a form of coping in which a person changes their behaviour to avoid thinking about, feeling, or doing difficult things. It involves trying to avoid stressors rather than dealing with them, which might seem like a great way to become less stressed, but this isn’t the case. More often than not, confronting a problem, or dealing with a stressor is the only way to effectively reduce the stress it causes.”

Secondly, we will find that the overwhelming amount of time we have will force us to explore old hobbies we used to enjoy whether that be: reading, writing, painting, etc. However, these activities feel harder, or less satisfying than they used to. Research suggests that excessive screen time can impact our cognitive abilities and enjoyment levels, making it harder to partake in hobbies that we used to enjoy.

Social media and the internet are designed to activate our brains’ reward systems, providing instant but shallow satisfaction. This constant “instant gratification” can make us not want to do other activities that require patience and focus. Over time, this can lead to anhedonia, which is the loss of pleasure in previously enjoyable activities. With a digital detox, people often find that past activities feel less immediately rewarding compared to scrolling on their phones. This change highlights how dependent we’ve become on screens for quick bursts of pleasure.

The first couple of days in the digital detox can be uncomfortable. Without the regular dopamine hits from social media, people often experience: boredom, restlessness, and even frustration. However, pushing through these moments gradually allows for a deeper reconnection with your favourite activities and yourself. While it may feel challenging, this process can be rewarding as people rediscover the satisfaction of completing a task, or engaging fully in a hobby without distraction.

Once it’s over, people find themselves using social media more mindfully, and they have a better chance of having: improved sleep, reduced anxiety, and an overall better mood. The detox helps us recognize that we indeed can live without hours of screen time, and how much life there is to live, even just in one day.

BY KAHA GEDI

Teaching isn’t just about giving information; it’s about creating learning experiences that students find interesting and useful. When teachers try new ways to connect with their students, learning becomes more exciting and not to mention meaningful. Here are five essential tips for schools and educators to support students.

Introducing Michigan Virtual, or LANSING, Mich, who unveiled a bold 2025-2030 Strategic Plan for transforming education. They are a leader in learning innovations and are sharing key tips for educators and schools to build off their new 2025-2030 Strategic Plan. This ambitious plan accentuates three strategic priorities: driving educational change, broadening student pathways, and powering professional learning. These efforts aim to address Michigan’s urgent need for educational talent development and provide innovative, technology-driven learning solutions for students and educators alike. These efforts aim to address Michigan’s urgent need for educational talent development and provide innovative, technology-driven learning solutions for students and educators alike. Other regions, including Toronto, Ontario can also learn from these strategies and use them to improve their own educational systems too.

To support both students and educators, schools should look to:

• Adopt new learning models: Schools should explore innovative educational measures like virtual training and project-based learning to meet diverse needs. These models allow students to engage in hands-on experiences that relate to real-world problems, helping them develop important skills like teamwork and critical thinking.
• Expand career pathways: Focus on integrating flexible, real-world learning experiences to prepare students for life beyond school. This could include: job shadowing, internships, or partnerships with local, or small businesses, giving students a chance to explore different careers and understand what skills are needed. I think this is a great idea because it diversifies students’ experiences and helps them get ready for the real world. It shows them how what they learn in school can be used in real-life situations. By taking part in these opportunities, students can make important connections and learn more about their future careers.
• Prioritize professional development: Investing in flexible learning opportunities to keep up with trends in education technology is crucial. Providing teachers with ongoing training helps them learn new tools and techniques, which they can then use to enhance their teaching and better support their students.
• Foster collaborative networks: Engaging with partners such as Michigan Virtual to introduce and attain system-wide transformations. Collaboration allows schools to share resources and best practices, creating a stronger support system for educators and students alike. By working together, schools can implement new ideas more effectively.
• Leverage technology: Use AI and other tech tools to create personalized, high touch learning environments that enhance student engagement. Technology can help make lessons to fit individual student needs, making learning more enjoyable and effective. For example, virtual reality experiences, which can be provided with a higher budget, and can be used once in while during classes, can definitely make lessons more interactive.

In conclusion, to make education better, teachers need to change how they connect with students. By trying new learning methods, offering real-world experiences, supporting teacher training, working together with partners, and using technology, schools can create meaningful learning experiences. Michigan Virtual plan shows that these ideas can help students and teachers today and prepare them for the future. By using these strategies, schools can improve learning and help students succeed.

BY AMARI SUKHDEO

Balancing college classes, assignments, part-time jobs, and personal life can be challenging, especially when everything feels like a top priority. Between study sessions, deadlines, and social commitments, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

However, developing effective productivity habits can help you: stay organized, reduce stress, and even carve out more time for the things you enjoy. Here are six essential tips to help you stay on top of your responsibilities without sacrificing your well-being.

Use a calendar to organize your time

Start by organizing your schedule using a calendar or planner, whether it’s digital or paper based. Set aside time for classes, study sessions, and any other commitments, making sure to include travel time, meals, and breaks. Having a clear view of your week ahead can help prevent missed deadlines and last-minute stress.

Make a focused to-do list

Every week, create a to-do list that includes both large and small tasks. Estimate how long each one will take, then prioritize them based on deadlines and difficulty. A well-organized list can help you stay focused and makes it easier to work through your day without feeling overwhelmed. Re-evaluate your list as the week goes on, moving completed tasks off the list and adding any new ones to keep everything up to date.

Tackle tasks during your peak hours

Everyone has certain times of the day when they’re most alert. Identify your peak productivity hours, whether morning, or late night and schedule your hardest work for those times. Experiment with different times of day to discover what works best for you, and be flexible; sometimes schedules shift, so having a backup plan can be useful when you need it.

Eliminate distractions

Staying focused is key to getting things done efficiently. Find a study spot where you can work without interruptions, and turn off phone and app notifications during study sessions. Using a timer to work in focused blocks, such as 25 minutes with a short break afterward, can keep your mind on track and prevent burnout. If you’re easily tempted by social media or browsing, consider apps that temporarily block distractions, or allow access to them only during breaks.

Take regular breaks to recharge

Taking breaks might seem counterproductive, but they’re essential for maintaining focus over time. If you feel mentally exhausted, or start losing concentration, step away for a short walk, do some stretching, or grab a snack. Breaks help recharge your mind, allowing you to return to tasks with renewed energy. You might also want to include “micro-breaks,” where you pause for a minute, or two to stretch, or breathe deeply, especially during longer study sessions.

Remember self-care

Your well-being directly impacts your productivity. Make time for sleep, eat balanced meals, and find ways to manage stress, like: deep breathing, exercise, or meditation.

While self-care might feel like another “task” on your list, it’s crucial for staying healthy and keeping up with the demands of college life. Building these habits now will pay off in better focus, higher energy, and greater resilience over time.