There are only a few days left in April and then it’s time for our annual Digital Detox. If you followed along with us last year, you might know a little about this mindfulness challenge we kick off each May. If you’re new to the Detox, no worries. It’s easy to follow along and you’ll find that these simple steps can help you clear your mind and promote emotional and mental well-being!

Take Away Distractions

What’s your current tea routine? If you’re like most tea drinkers, you get the hot water, prepare the tea bag or infuser, and then let your tea steep. We estimate that this process takes about 8 minutes, maybe a little more if you’re using a kettle. What do you do during those 8 minutes? Do you fiddle with your phone? Or maybe you scroll through your Facebook feed? Do you watch a few minutes of TV? Whatever you do, it’s likely that you’re keeping yourself distracted and not fully immersing yourself in the moment. We’re aiming to change that with our Digital Detox.

It Just Takes 8 Minutes 

Before you make your next cup of tea, put away all of your digital devices. Really focus on what you’re doing as you prepare the water. Notice the steam rising and feel the slight warmth in the air. When you’re putting tea leaves into an infuser or bag, pay attention to the leaves and what they look and smell like dry. When the leaves are in the water, watch the color of the water slowly change and smell the aromatic steam. Every moment of the tea brewing ritual can become a sensory experience if you’re tuned in and engaged with what you’re doing.

Next Steps

As much as we love immersing ourselves in the brewing of tea, you’re not going to want to watch steam off a kettle for 31 consecutive days. That’s why we encourage you to explore other non-digital experiences while your tea is brewing. It takes 3-5 minutes to steep a tea and it can take 3-5 minutes to write a quick letter to a friend, jot down what you’re grateful for, or take in your surroundings and note what beauty you can see. You don’t have to be engaged with your tea every day during the detox. You just need to be engaged with yourself, your senses, and your emotional well-being.

We want to help you focus and find tranquility in your tea ritual this month. We’ll be sending words of encouragement via text throughout the month. Even though we hope you’ll be phone free for your tea time, feel free to text DETOX to 33222 to get the occasional message cheering you on in your Digital Detox Challenge!

The post Drop the Devices! It’s time for the Digital Detox! appeared first on ArtOfTea.