Digital Detox Anyone?

I wanted to share with you my experience of a ‘digital detox,’ I’m guessing you’re familiar with the phrase?

I don’t know about you, but I can often feel as if I’m spending too much time on my mobile phone. Whether that’s sending emails, checking inboxes and posting on social media, or keeping in touch with friends, taking photos or checking the weather.

So I decided to have a ‘digital detox’ and take a break for the weekend.

In Case of Emergency

I don't have a landline, so I didn’t want to turn off my phone completely, instead I switched wi-fi off on my mobile and kept it at arm’s length throughout the weekend. 

Knowing I could be reached if there was an emergency.

Here’s How it Went

I woke early as usual for me, and my first thought was to reach for the phone to see what time it was, instead I checked my watch (obvious really). Feeling quite pleased with myself I went downstairs and put my phone out of reach.

As I began my day, I soon realised just how many times I was tempted to reach for my phone: 

• I wonder what the weather forecast is? (go to BBC app)

• What shall I make for tea (Google slow cooker recipes)

• Oo that article in the paper looks interesting (take photo and send to a friend)
  
  I didn’t do any of those things on my detox, but it shocked me to realise how reliant I’d become on using my mobile, when instead I could:

• Look out of the window/take a brolly with me just in case!

• Dust off my cookery books and see what appeals

• Make a note of the ad and tell my friend when I see her tomorrow

The Benefits

Once I’d got to grips with the idea that my phone was ‘out of bounds’ I relaxed and soon began to notice the benefits, here are just a few:

• I felt more present

• I slowed down

• I did more drawing and writing

• I daydreamed! (remember that?)

• I focused on one task at a time

• My brain felt less ‘frazzled’

Mindful Use

I recognise of course that there are many benefits to having our digital devices, but what I realised is important for me, is to use them more mindfully.

To have an intention when I pick up my phone, rather than it just being a habit.

Here are a few ideas you might like to try:

• Keep your mobile out of reach

• Wait until after breakfast before checking your phone in the morning

• Set a timer on your social media apps (and stick to it!)

• Activate your ‘do not disturb’ settings (you can add exceptions)

Constant monitoring of our devices can activate our stress response by making us feel that we are ‘on call’ and that we ‘must’ respond immediately to the many chats, texts and emails we receive throughout the day.

We can wait.

We can consider our responses.

We don’t have to reply if we don’t want to.

Are you interested in taking a digital detox? If you do, I’d love to hear how you get on.