As our lives become increasingly busier and cluttered with all things digital, it’s harder than ever to simply switch off. And yet, switching off is often exactly what we need. If you find yourself reaching for your phone each morning first thing, it may be time to take a digital detox. Here’s why and how you can do just that.

What exactly is a digital detox?

Most of us are aware of the negative impact being constantly “online” can have on our lives. Social media for example has the ability to distract and consume us, while the constant “need” to check emails can leave us feeling overloaded and stressed out.

As life becomes busier, more stressful and overwhelming, many people are consciously choosing to switch off by taking a digital detox. What does that mean? Simply refraining to use any devices – smart phones, computers or tablets – for a period of time, and using that time as an opportunity to focus on social interaction in the real world.

If you’re wondering what the benefits of a digital detox are, those in the know report an increase in productivity, a connection with those around them, and a chance to feel more at peace as just some of the advantages of a digital detox. A digital detox has surprising health benefits too, evidently promoting better sleeping and eating habits.

How to do a digital detox

Probably the hardest part of doing a digital detox is the planning stage: Deciding how, where and when you’re going to do it. Once you have these pieces in place, the rest is simple.

Here are some of the ways you could take a break from all things digital:

• Plan a digital-free day: Turn off all phones, computers, laptops or tablets and spend the day indulging in simple pleasures. Go for a walk, read a book, bake a cake, or play a board game.
• Switch off your devices at a certain time each night and don’t turn them on until you’ve had breakfast and spent time with your family the next morning.
• If you’re out for dinner with friends, all phones are placed in the centre of the table and the first person to pick up their phone pays for dinner!
• Turn off your computer or laptop on Friday evening and leave it turned off until Monday morning.
• Leave your device out of your bedroom or turn it to flight mode each night to avoid being distracted by text messages or email alerts.
• Consider turning off some of your phone notifications and only checking these when you need to.
• Deactivate your social media accounts for a short time to take a forced-break from social media.

Before you go…

Cutting yourself off from technology, even just for a short while, can seem challenging. But a digital detox may be just the thing you need to reset the way you think about digital and interact with those around you. Start slow – a few hours a day where you “switch off” and recharge. You’ll be amazed at the difference it can make in your life.

References:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/francesbooth/2015/02/03/30-reasons-to-do-a-digital-detox/#2ada00747d2f

https://www.wellnessdaily.com.au/balance/10-tips-digital-detox?utm_source=TheAdviser&utm_campaign=16_01_18&utm_medium=email

https://www.forbes.com/sites/leebelltech/2017/08/14/escape-tech-what-is-a-digital-detox-how-and-why-to-do-one-and-where-to-do-it/#bf9f272912cc

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