Technology has become an integral part of our lives in today’s world. We constantly glue ourselves to our smartphones and social media feeds, which can be overwhelming. Our personal and professional notifications, messages, and emails bombard us continuously. This causes extreme exhaustion and distraction without acknowledging that the convenience of technology is the real cause of our daily stress and fatigue. However, there is a solution – a digital detox.
A digital detox involves taking a break from digital devices and online platforms for a specific period. It’s a conscious decision to disconnect from the digital world and focus on the present moment. Sometimes, it’s as simple as putting your phone on snooze for certain times of the day, while other times, it means completely getting rid of all your smart devices and computers for days at a time. You need to be self-aware of how you feel after taking time to scroll through social media or respond to emails and text messages. A digital detox may be for you if you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed after doing so.
During a digital detox, you can engage in activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being, such as spending time in nature, practicing mindfulness, or pursuing a hobby. You may even complete some household chores you thought you’d never have enough time for and still have plenty of time left over for other enjoyable activities.
The Benefits of a Digital Detox
The benefits of a digital detox are numerous, and I am aware of them firsthand after completing a 31-day detox in March of 2018:
1. Well-Being
It allows you to step back and reflect on your relationship with technology. You may realize you’re spending too much time on your phone or social media, affecting your well-being.
2. Reduce Stress and Anxiety
A digital detox can help you reduce stress and anxiety by disconnecting from the constant stream of information and stimuli.
3. Sleep Quality
It can improve your sleep quality, as exposure to blue light from screens has been linked to disrupted sleep patterns.
4. Productivity
My biggest takeaway was the amount of things I could accomplish when not scrolling through various tasks and mindless activities on my phone and computer.
My Story: 31-Day Digital Detox
In March 2018, I embarked on an experiment in which I would completely disconnect myself from all forms of technology for an entire month. I cut myself off from internet access, television, and texting. My intention was to analyze how it would affect my day-to-day life and mentality.
As I started my digital detox, I initially felt a sense of unease and anxiety, almost like I was missing out on something. However, as the days went by, I began to appreciate the serenity and solitude that came with not being constantly connected.
I became more present in the moment and started to enjoy activities I had previously neglected, such as reading a book, going for walks in nature, and spending quality time with loved ones. I also became more aware of my surroundings and the people around me.
How Was I Able to Achieve It?
It was simple to achieve since I was living alone, unemployed, and without family or other responsibilities. I contacted my internet and telephone providers and requested them to suspend my services for March.
I consciously decided to minimize my exposure to the internet and worldly events. To do so, I decided to avoid attending any events or social gatherings that might expose me to such distractions. That also meant avoiding places with internet access, televisions, and newsprint media. I firmly believed that by limiting my exposure to these distractions, I could stay focused on my goals and lead a more productive and fulfilling life. And I was right! It wasn’t always easy, but staying true to the plan gave me peace and clarity that I wouldn’t trade for anything. In fact, I would do it again in a heartbeat.
What Did I Do With My Time?
During that month in 2018, I dedicated myself to personal growth and self-improvement. I was actively working on various aspects of my life, including journaling, practicing self-awareness exercises, working out at the gym almost daily, and exploring my creativity through music.
However, the highlight of my self-improvement journey was reading various self-help books. I was able to read seven great self-help books in their entirety and snippets of others. These books played a significant role in helping me understand myself better and positively impacted many areas of my life.
Out of all the self-help books, ‘The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem’ and ‘Awaken The Giant Within’ were particularly helpful in breaking down the barriers within myself. The exercises in these books were instrumental in enabling me to delve deeper into my thoughts and emotions. They helped me to identify and work on areas of my life that required improvement. I gained a greater understanding of myself through engaging with the exercises and techniques outlined in these books. I changed my perception of many areas of my life.
What Was My Favourite Part?
Taking a break from social media and all the constant beeping and buzzing from my devices was a much-needed escape from the digital world we live in today. Having uninterrupted time to focus on my interests, such as reading, writing, meditating, and learning, was a dream come true. It was like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders, and I felt more present and mindful in my daily life.
What Was The Hardest Part?
The most challenging part of my experience was the overwhelming sense of loneliness that I felt. Being isolated from others and having minimal communication with the outside world was a real struggle. Despite being allowed to receive calls, I couldn’t make outgoing calls, making me feel even more disconnected from the outside world. Throughout the month, I only received one phone call per week and had only three visitors, which was far less than I had hoped for.
The lack of communication and contact with others profoundly impacted me. During the first couple of weeks, I felt a real sense of despair and had a few teary-eyed moments as a result. I missed the sound of other people’s voices and the ability to talk to them about my day. I felt like I was living in a bubble, cut off from everything and everyone that mattered to me. However, as the weeks passed, I slowly got used to the isolation. I tried to keep busy with books, puzzles, and other activities, and I tried to maintain a positive outlook despite the difficult circumstances. That experience taught me the importance of enjoying my own company, which gave me a mental advantage during COVID-19 restrictions. One could say that I prepared myself well for an unpredictable reality where everyone was forced into their own bubbles.
Would I Do It Again?
Absolutely! I would do it again but with some alterations. I want to be in a different setting, like a cabin near the mountains or a lake, and I would love to have some friends or even strangers accompany me. That would be a fantastic learning opportunity and a remarkable social experiment. We don’t connect like we used to, and I think this experience could help us reconnect
Final Words
I strongly advise everyone to take a break from technology, mainly social media. Although cutting yourself off is unnecessary, limiting your usage each day is essential. Constantly scrolling through your Facebook feed multiple times in an hour is not a healthy habit. Believe me, if you spend 10-20 minutes per day scrolling through your feed, you’ll get the same amount of information and nonsense without the repetition. This way, you can use your time more effectively and efficiently.
A break from technology can help refresh and calm your mind. It allows you to focus on other activities that positively impact your mental and physical health. Instead of scrolling through social media, consider reading a book, spending time with loved ones, or exercising. It would help if you always prioritized your well-being and future success, meaning you wouldn’t waste your time on things that don’t benefit you. Refrain from falling into the trap of mindlessly scrolling through social media. Find other ways to boost your dopamine levels and live a fulfilling life.