Reset and Recharge: How to Master the Digital Detox
This article was originally published on EspressOh ☞
A digital detox can take you from fatigued to fresh-faced. Disconnect with technology and reconnect with yourself with these tips, because clear skin starts with a clear mind.
If you’re reading this, you’re likely on top of your skincare routine. But what about other types of self-care? Whether or not we like to admit it, our digital habits need a little TLC, too. In our fast-paced, always-connected world, sometimes it helps to give ourselves a digital detox to get our inner glow back.
We reached out to three wellness-savvy leaders: Chloe Pierre, author, speaker and founder of thy.self; Calypso Barnum-Bobb, self-discovery coach and speaker; and Daisy Morris, author, speaker and founder The Selfhood, to get the lowdown on how to do a tech timeout like a pro.
Signs That You Might Need a Digital Detox
Chloe advises us to keep an eye on productivity, sleep, and behaviour. Are you falling into patterns of distraction, irritability, or brain fog? Pay attention to how technology affects your clarity and mood. You might constantly battle FOMO (the fear of missing out) or fatigue. This can all seep into your professional life through OTT social media use. She says, “Recognise changes not just your concentration, but also confusion.
If you’re on an app and starting to feel uncomfortable, or if it doesn’t feel so wholesome, then these are signs that you may need to take a step away.”
Self-doubt, doom scrolling and constant comparison are some red flags that Calypso Barnum-Bobb identifies. “If you feel that your life revolves more around the screen of your device than actual reality, that’s a concern,” she says.
“It’s crucial to ask: Are you consistently comparing yourself to others instead of living in the moment? It’s especially concerning if you seek constant online support and connection instead of it in the real world.”
A Healthy Relationship with Technology
To Calypso, a healthy relationship with technology means “it adds value to my life instead of subtracting from it.”
Daisy encourages healthy device use, “reading podcasts and audiobooks is technically engaging with technology, but it allows the brain to wander. Identify when tech use is habitual rather than purposeful and follow that purpose.”
Based on the insights from Chloe, Calypso and Daisy, here is a step-by-step guide for doing a successful digital detox:
Self-Reflection and Awareness:
Begin by recognising the signs that you might need a digital detox, like constant comparison, feelings of inadequacy, and excessive screen time.Set Clear Intentions:
Define your goals and intentions for the detox. Determine why you want to disconnect and what you hope to achieve.Establish Boundaries:
Identify your vulnerable times for device usage, such as during idle moments. Identify specific platforms or content that drain your energy or trigger negative emotions.Gradual Reduction:
Ease into the detox by gradually decreasing screen time. Start with short breaks and work up to longer periods without screens.Find Offline Activities:
Replace screen time with offline activities that engage your mind and senses. This could include reading, nature walks, or hobbies.Monitor Physical Indicators:
Pay attention to physical signs of excessive screen use, such as dry eyes, tense shoulders, and mental fog. Use these indicators to gauge the impact of your detox.Plan Reintegration:
Plan how to reintegrate technology intentionally. Define specific times to check your devices.Maintain Digital Limits:
After the detox, remember the lessons learned and maintain the digital limits you’ve set.Preventative Tech Detoxes:
Periodically engage in mini-detoxes to prevent technology overuse from becoming a habit.Stay Committed:
Stay committed to your detox goals when challenges arise.Explore Productive Apps:
After the detox, use technology as a tool for productivity and growth rather than mindless scrolling.Maintain Balance:
Continuously assess your relationship with technology and ensure it adds value to your life instead of detracting from it.