Summer Mental Health: Tips for Digital Detox

Mental Health in Summer: Staying Balanced Amid Digital Overload and Travel Stress

Summer is often seen as a time for relaxation, rejuvenation, and travel. However, an increasing number of experts point out that the sunniest period of the year—especially in regions with intense climates like the UAE—does not necessarily bring mental tranquility. Idealized holiday images on social media, continuous doomscrolling, jetlag-induced sleep disturbances, and children’s structureless days are all factors that can contribute to anxiety, irritability, or even burnout.

Too Much Screen Time Overwhelms Rather Than Relaxes

The constant use of digital devices continues throughout the summer, whether we’re reading news or documenting our travels online. The issue is not only that evening screen use impedes melatonin production, but also that it overstimulates the brain's reward system, potentially leading to addiction, self-esteem issues, and sleep disorders in the long run.

Social media images of “perfect summers” can especially trigger envy, loss of confidence, and so-called “narcissistic injuries” that harm self-image. News—especially negative, threatening content—can activate the brain's amygdala, responsible for emotional regulation, causing stress reactions even as we try to relax physically.

The Double-Edged Sword of Travel

Travel can undoubtedly be a rewarding experience—new cultures, landscapes, people—but it doesn’t automatically offer peace of mind for everyone. Jetlag associated with flying, unexpected delays, unfamiliar environments, and the constant need to adapt all strain the brain's executive functions. Emotional exhaustion can easily occur, particularly in those already facing mental challenges.

Additional psychological pressure may come from underlying security concerns—whether during travel or because of tensions experienced at home. These often manifest as subconscious fears, leading to emotional withdrawal and persistent anxiety.

Children Also Suffer from a Lack of Structure

The summer break can mean joyful freedom for children, but the lack of daily routine—such as going to school, regular meals, and bedtimes—can significantly impact their emotional regulation. Irritability, regressive behaviors, or even separation anxiety may occur. It is important for parents to maintain a daily rhythm, however relaxed, and to limit screen time, encouraging movement and social activities.

Tips for a Healthier Summer

Limit news consumption and social media, especially in the evening before going to bed.

Create a sleep-supporting environment that is dark, quiet, and cool.

Use travel for inner work, not just as an escape or distraction.

Talk honestly about concerns, especially with children who are sensitive to adults' moods.

Instead of scrolling, try relaxation techniques like mindfulness, breathing exercises, or soothing music.

Conclusion

Summer offers a chance for renewal—but only if we consciously pay attention to our physical and mental balance. True relaxation is not merely a matter of changing locations or sunbathing, but the result of inner work. Therefore, it’s worth “vacationing” digitally too, allowing ourselves to truly disconnect for a while.

(Based on a neuropsychology study.)