Digital Detox: What is this and how could we achieve it?

Let's discuss the benefits of setting the digital screen far away and enjoying hours without continuous stress from following all that happens in the world. Yes, the world is running fast and we are also fast!!! We are clicking right and left on the different highly productive software tools, the phones have become an extension of our hands, and we are afraid of missing something interesting and useful... Yes, dear readers, the theme of this post is "How to implement a digital detox in daily life"!

What is a Digital Detox?

A digital detox isn’t necessarily turning off all useful and modern gadgets that keep you connected to the contemporary digital world! Maybe now start to think about moving to the forest with no electricity. 🤔

Basically, the digital detox is a slice of time during which a person bravely stops using digital devices such as smartphones, computers and others. This pause gives your brain the needed relaxation from all hustling and bustling environments. The most important for me is the reduction of stress. Think about it as a diet for your soul. This is something like the healthy diets you read about on the internet, but don't have the courage to start. Digital detox cuts out the endless stream of information to give your brain a break. ☺️

Why Do We Need It?

During the last days, I’ve been thinking about our exhaustion from digital screens. This really depends on how our brain is constructed. We aren’t actually programmed for the constant multitasking and the quick task switching. All that happens every time we pick up a phone. Each notification is more than just a sound; it is an interruption that requires us to spend extra energy just to get back into our previous tasks.

Beyond losing focus, there is a real emotional effect! To be constantly connected with the others and the never-ending cycle of news keeps the nervous system stressed. It is hard to feel calm when you are essentially in a situation of high alert all day. After that comes the problem with sleeping. Scrolling up and down leads into anxiety and says to your brain, "Stay awake". The blue light interferes with melatonin, which is required for sleep.

And do you remark how we talk to each other when we all the time watch the digital screens around us? It is practically impossible to have a real, meaningful conversation with someone if their eyes keep drifting to their email or a text message. To give our attention to the people around us is probably the most important thing, but it is becoming harder to do... The good news is that you don't have to build a retreat in the forest for a month. You may take small pauses in a normal day. Let's give the brain a pause with something pleasant; for me, it's a thought of pictures with the beauty of nature. This technique works very well for me in the time of exhaustion!

How Could We Achieve It?

Honestly, dear readers, you don't need a big jump to achieve something. Usually the lasting changes usually come from small steps into the final goal.

1. Set up some "No-Phone Zones" at home. Pick spots where devices are just not allowed. For me, there are the dinner table and the bedroom. The most important is keeping the bedroom tech-free. So I could really immerse myself in dreams and beautiful thoughts before sleeping. When I don't scroll on the phone in the bed, I sleep more comfortably and feel better in the morning.

2. After that comes the rule "First and Last ". Yes, after waking up, we are curious about which e-mails we received and what the last news from the world is. But stop! Set time for yourself: breakfast, a gym, a walk outside or something pleasurable. This way, the start of the new day will not be so exhausting and your day will be more productive going forward.

3. You should also manage the notifications. A lot of our daily stress comes from all those little "dings" and "pops". Are all of them really important? Check the settings and turn off everything except what you absolutely need for communication. Do you really need to know every time someone likes a photo or when a store sends you a discount code? If you want to check an app, you should be the one deciding when.

4. Make time for "Digital Breaks." Think of time away from screens like an official appointment. Mark 30 minutes on your calendar for something completely offline: reading a physical book, going for a walk without headphones, drawing or preparing something delicious to eat. Give that time the same respect you'd give if you had a meeting with your boss.

5. Finally, embrace boredom. This is the difficult moment. We’ve gotten so good at filling every free moment with our phones!!! What do I want to say? Really, this sparks creativity. When you’re waiting for the bus or sitting in the car in awaiting the green light at the traffic light, try not to check your phone. Just look around at people. Watch the clouds or the trees. Just allow your mind to wander for a bit. You might be surprised how useful it may be when you stop filling that space with digital noise.

In Conclusion:

Imagine forgetting for some time about your digital gadgets. Yes, the first time is a little strange! You have a timeless wish to see what is happening on your phone or to check e-mails. Your brain needs just a little digital sip... Totally normal! But if you go forward to implement hours of digital detox in your daily routine, you will note that the feeling about the environment starts to change. That constant feeling of rushing, of always needing to do more and more, starts to fade away. You start to manage your life! You can be informed without reading every single news update and you can be productive without being available all the time.

So, what do you think about digital detox? Feel you're ready to try this technique? Start with something small; be gentle with yourself 😊 as you try it. See what the difference is.

I'm curious to hear about your experience. Have you ever tried a digital detox? What did you find the hardest part? Share your thoughts in the comments. ✍️