“Digital detox: Refresh your mind, recharge your soul.”

What is the first thing that we do in the morning?
Take our phone, open social media, and scroll.
The question is … is it the right thing to do? Do you know the disadvantages related to digital screen time?

We work around 8–9 hours a day on screen and we spend our free time chatting with our friends online or scrolling on social media.

Relax! In this blog, I am going to highlight the doubt related to “The Digital Detox”.

What is a Digital Detox?

Digital detox is a period of time when people refrain from using tech devices such as televisions, computers, smartphones, and tablets followed by taking a break from social media.

It is the best way to focus on real-life interactions without any distractions. This way, people can reduce the stress level that occurs from constant connectivity on social media.

Having our heads stuck in Technology can make us miss some of life’s most precious and special moments. Being present can help us to relax de-stress and enjoy the beautiful, natural gifts of life.

Tips On How To Disconnect

Routine

Creating healthy digital daily habits can help us not only mentally but also physically. By not using tech for the 1st & last hour of the day, you are not exposing yourself to what we call ‘blue light’ which stimulates the brain, suppresses the body’s creation of melatonin, and makes it difficult for us to settle and get a good night’s sleep.

Starting the day with technology doesn’t allow us to ease into the new day, enjoy the birds tweeting outside, or be present with our own thoughts.

Do not disturb

By activating ‘do not disturb’ mode on your phone, you can enjoy focused time with loved ones & find your flow with work or hobbies (you can set certain contacts as favorites who can still contact you in an emergency).

This will ensure you don’t become a slave to replying to messages and emails at any time of day or night.

No-go area

Don’t have your phone near your bed. Ideally, leave it in a separate room.

This will not only help you wind down, but it can also be a big mood killer. Spend the time you would spend on social media, talking to your partner, or reading a good book.

Digital Detox

Why not have 1 day a week with no technology and spend it with your family or friends?

It may seem like a big commitment, but the feeling of not being contactable 24 hours a day is totally freeing and allows you to be 100% present at the moment and enjoy quality family and friend time.

See if you can convince your family to share in your digital-free day & lock your devices and remote controls in a box for the day.

Off-grid holiday

Consider booking a digital detox holiday with no TV or WiFi.

Only use your phone to take photos (have it on airplane mode to avoid being disturbed) or use a dedicated camera for capturing your trip — it could make it even more enjoyable to get them developed or look back through them when you get home — a chance to relive the happy memories and spend time entirely in the present while you’re away.

Well-being app

Try using a digital well-being app to set time limits on certain apps and restrict apps you find yourself drawn to regularly that you only want to access occasionally and intentionally.

This will remind you how long you spend on each app and sometimes the results are shocking, to say the least.

What Are The Benefits Of Disconnecting From Technology and Reconnecting With Yourself?

• Time: It frees up time for doing things you love but don’t find the time for. The hours you gain back from not being on the screen add up very quickly. Start that art project, enjoy that walk, and see that place you have always wanted to visit.
• Focus: With less time spent looking at the news and social media you can instead focus on what you can be doing in your own life — because let’s face it the information can be draining and negative and seeing what other people are eating for dinner isn’t really adding any value to your life. We’re not saying to be ignorant of what’s happening around you and in the world, but don’t go into a rabbit hole and forget to make your own dreams and goals happen.
• Boundaries: Setting boundaries can be hard, but it can be healthy to limit when work can reach you, protecting sacred time for yourself and family (being accessible to work emails 24/7 is typically unnecessary but has become acceptable). The setting of boundaries can have a negative association, but it takes a strong person to say no to something they know isn’t good for them.
• Sleep: This is a huge one for a lot of people. Disconnecting from technology can mean better sleep and longer sleep — more on this here.

What You Can Do Instead Of Using Technology?

• Find your flow with something you enjoy doing and try that something you always need more. If you don’t like it, try something else, but if you don’t try it, you will never find out.
• Get a healthier and more restful sleep which can mean you are more productive and more pleasant company the next day.
• You could play games with your family and friends, whether it be board games around the dining table, storytelling games around the firepit, or fun games in nature.
• Spend time in nature and take that trip you have always wanted to do — even if it’s just a day trip for a long countryside walk or a visit to a local eatery.
• Read a book — there are literally millions of books out there to suit all ages, and interests, fiction, and non-fiction — get lost in it and enjoy the peace.
• Get cooking — we all need to eat so why not make it fun by cooking on the BBQ or firepit, trying a new recipe, getting friends over and all doing a course each? Whatever you do, just make it fun and de-stress from the long day!

Wrap Up

Digital detox is a powerful reminder of our ability to control and shape our relationship with technology.

It’s an opportunity to break free from the constant flow of information, notifications, and virtual noise, and to reconnect with ourselves, our loved ones, and the world around us.

By taking regular breaks from our devices, we can cultivate a more intentional and conscious approach to technology, using it as a tool that enhances our lives rather than consumes them.

Ultimately, a digital detox is an act of self-care and self-preservation in our hyperconnected world. It empowers us to prioritize our well-being, mental health, and genuine human connections.

So, let us embrace the concept of digital detox, and let it serve as a gentle reminder to nurture our relationship with technology, ensuring that it aligns with our values and supports a fulfilling and balanced life.

Justly: Habits, Goals, Journal

How To Disconnect From Digital Platforms To Reconnect With Yourself? was originally published in Justly Blog on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.