Dec 2024 | 2-minute read, How to, Wellness

Digital Detox – Reclaim Your Time and Your Mind

Are you completely absorbed by or overwhelmed by the constant barrage of notifications, emails, and social media updates? Does your device constantly ping letting you know that something or someone is trying to get your attention?

Have you had family and friends tell you that you’re not present even when in the same room?

If you answered yes to those questions, this article might be for you.

It’s common knowledge that excessive screen time can potentially, negatively impact our ability to communicate with others, our relationships and our mental health, leading to stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.

A digital detox can be a great way to take a break from technology and reconnect with yourself and the world around you.

Before you start perspiring and hyperventilating at the thought, here are some strategies that might help you reduce screen time, improving the quality of your communication with others and improve your mental health.

Try adapting mindfulness when it comes to tech use

Notification control
Turn off unnecessary notifications to minimise distractions.

Do you really need to know at all times about absolutely everything that is coming into your email, messages and social media apps?

Focus Mode

Use your device’s focus mode to block distracting apps and websites.

Who doesn’t love a little retreat?

Make it a digital detox retreat…

Weekend getaways

Plan a weekend trip to a place with limited or no internet access – scary but you can do!

Tech-free days

Dedicate specific days while away to unplug completely.

Engage in off-line activities

Simple things can bring a fresh perspective that you may not get with your head bent down looking at a device screen. Try these and if you find you’re not making the time to do them spontaneously, schedule them into your day/week.

Hobbies
Rediscover old hobbies or pick up new ones.

Socialise

Spend quality time with friends and family – talk or don’t talk but be together without looking down at a device, it’s good for the soul.

Outdoor Activities
Go for a walk, hike, or bike ride.

Read a Book
Immerse yourself in a good book – it’s probably been a while.

Practice Mindfulness
Meditate or practice yoga to reduce stress and improve focus.

Create a calming bedtime routine

Screen-free bedroom (easier said than done!)
Bit tricky when you use your device as your wake-up alarm so, make a commitment to yourself (just as you do to others about deliverables at work or partners/children at home) – minimise electronic devices in the bedroom to an alarm only – try it!

Engage in relaxing activities
Engage in calming activities like reading or taking a warm shower before bed.

Try & set a consistent sleep schedule
Also easier said than done, however, experts do say that a consistent sleep schedule does wonders for physical and mental wellbeing.

Try going to bed at the same time each night and waking up at the same time each day.

Being present physically and emotionally is super important for our overall well-being and can be important for those around us as well.

A digital detox is not about completely eliminating technology from your life, it’s about finding a healthy balance and prioritising your mental health and well-being.

You can do it!

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