We are navigating through a time that demands our constant digital presence. Be it our professional life or our personal life. Although we are grateful sometimes for this connectivity, which allows us to be in constant touch with our close ones, and keep us committed to our work, on the flip side, it leaves us more anxious, concerned and stressed.
Constant digital exposure in the form of notifications, emails, texts and social media updates disrupts our present moment and more than often acts as a trigger. The lack of mindfulness that affects our generation is mostly because of this constant bombardment of notifications that keep us hooked to our past or compel us to think about the future with absolutely no regard for our present.
No wonder doomscrolling is the new normal. Now, what’s that? Doomscrolling refers to our compulsive urge to scroll through our screen and consume negative news or other disturbing content online despite feeling sad, anxious, angry or helpless. Now, this cannot be a healthy behaviour, right? This makes us look for ways to digitally detox ourselves. Digital detox implies disconnecting or unplugging ourselves from the digital world and reconnecting to the surrounding world that is very much our present. It is a step to ensure mindfulness and allow us a break and find the right digital balance in life.
The benefits of a digital detox: Improved sleep and reduced stress #UnplugToRecharge pic.twitter.com/qHPyAkouJc
— InspiredPulse (@InspiredPulse) December 13, 2024Digital Detox Tips
Now, digital detox tips are varied and can take time to be incorporated into your life. But that should not deter you from starting to adopt it. Here are some of the digital detox tips which you can follow:
Creating Tech-Free Zones
Allow yourself some time free from the interruption of digital devices and this is best done when you create tech-free zones in your home. For instance, mealtime should be free from any external disturbances. Practice mindful eating or take the time to appreciate the company of your family or friends with whom you share the meal. Similarly, a bedroom must be kept in a digital device-free zone as it enables better sleep. It has been observed that a better sleeping environment, owing to limited exposure to blue light, is the best way to ensure quality sleep.
Incorporate Tech-Free Time into your Routine
Your routine should accommodate tech-free time, which will allow you the space to disconnect from your devices. This time should be dedicated to offline activities. Even personal communication through texts is not to be allowed to impart a better sense of self-discipline.
Disabling Notifications
Here again, turning off notifications and social media updates can allow you peace of mind. By reducing distraction, disabling notifications minimises the urge to check your device constantly and, thereby, allows us to live in the present moment.
Embracing Offline Activities
Often, we are unaware of the time we spend on our phones, and inadequate awareness about screen time prevents self-reflection. Here again, tracking our screen time through certain apps allows better reflection and saves valuable time that otherwise would have been wasted in mindless scrolling. The time can then be productively used for other outdoor activities like walking, gardening, and engaging in sports. In addition to that, it allows ample time for other creative activities like reading, painting, writing and other hobbies like pursuing any musical instrument, among others.
Setting Clear Goals
Digital Detox tips become more effective once you have a clear goal. Therefore, setting goals is a crucial step, and you need to be aware of your reality. Here, your goal could be to reduce screen time, improve sleep quality or strive for mental peace. Whatever the objective is, digital detoxification takes a strong will power as it is ultimately training your mind.
Involve near ones in the journey
Digital detox is a journey that also needs cooperation from your near and dear ones. Make sure to inform your family members and friends about your goal beforehand. Sudden disappearance from social media platforms can lead to unnecessary worries and concerns for close ones. Therefore, tracking one’s daily progress through journaling and, involving family members and friends and sharing your goals and progress with them support and encourage you.
Digital Detox Vacation
Incorporating digital detox habits into daily life can be challenging at times, and therefore, as an alternative, a digital detox vacation helps serve the goal. What is a Digital detox vacation? It is basically a vacation plan in certain digital detox retreats where wi-fi services and the use of digital devices are strictly forbidden. This type of vacation allows one to enjoy the present moment without having to bother about the past or future, as there will be no interruption of emails, texts, or updates. So, if self-disciplining does not work for you, then a digital detox vacation can definitely be your way.
Challenges of Digital Detox
While digital detoxification can benefit you in a number of ways, it can be challenging as well. Balancing professional commitment and personal commitment can get difficult at times. Moreover, it can trigger FOMO in you! Either you feel left out, or you unwillingly withdraw from the social world that you have nurtured for so long. However, here, setting particular boundaries can help in achieving a fine balance between all the demands that the digital era has generated for you.
Significance of digital detox
Digital detox, therefore, can be helpful in reducing our anxiety and stress. Taking time off screen also helps in preserving vision as it reduces digital strain on the eyes or computer vision syndrome. Moreover, it allows you to feel a real connection by reconnecting with family, old friends and acquaintances. It allows you to see who is worth your time, as absence across social media platforms often renders you invisible. This offers you time to reflect and appreciate the little joys around you, the presence and value of people who are physically around you.
FAQ
1. What is Digital Detox?
Digital detox refers to the practice of disconnecting from digital devices and online activities. It involves reducing screen time, limiting social media usage, and focusing on offline activities.
2. Why is Digital Detox Important?
Digital detox is important for several reasons. These include improving mental health by reducing stress and anxiety. It can also contribute in improving physical health by improving sleep quality, reducing eye strain, and promoting physical activity. It also can strengthen bonds with loved ones.
3. How Can I Start a Digital Detox?
Here are some tips to start your digital detox journey such as creating Tech-Free Zones, turning Off Notifications, practicing mindfulness and embracing offline hobbies.
4. What are the Challenges of Digital Detox?
Balancing professional commitment and personal commitment can get difficult at times. It can create fear of missing out on important social events.
5. Can a Digital Detox Vacation Help?
Yes, a digital detox vacation can be a great way to completely disconnect from technology and recharge. These vacations often involve staying in secluded locations with limited or no internet access and can especially help those who find it difficult to practice self-discipline.
6. What is Doomscrolling?
Doomscrolling refers to our compulsive urge to scroll through our screen and consume negative news or other disturbing content online despite feeling sad, anxious, angry or helpless.
