5 Steps in Planning Your Digital Detox

“Set your phone down.” 

“Can you look at me when I’m talking to you or is the phone more important?”

“Why can’t you just switch it off?”

“Hello, I’m over here!!”

Sometimes good things in excess can be dangerous.

Can you even fathom the idea of not having a phone for the day?  No emails, no dings, no notifications. Writing about it sounds freeing but scary as hell! I mean, I’ll be so far behind if I don’t have a connection.  

You’ve probably heard and seen the multiple warnings to turn off your devices. If you’re like me you’ve rolled your eyes at the studies and at the people telling you. Devices have opened up the possibilities for communication, information at your fingertips, allows for quicker response times and prying into other people’s lives. HA!

Is it really that dangerous to stay connected to our devices 24/7?

The answer is a resounding YES.

The Effects of Always Being On

Electronics do make our lives better in many ways, including keeping us in touch with friends and family, but being constantly connected to others can wear on our health. It can cut into our long-term happiness and lower our overall satisfaction with life.

When we’re tied to our electronic devices, our priorities shift – from what was once time spent with loved ones face to face at the dinner table to mindlessly communicating with the online world. This can easily disrupt our well-being and lead to stress and feelings of depression, as as well as feeling alone.

The benefits of taking a digital detox (or even small steps toward one) are far-reaching. When people take a break from technology, they report a sense of feeling more closely connected to those around them.

How To Digital Detox (Without FOMO)

A digital detox doesn’t have to mean you need to move to the outskirts of Minnesota. Ease into using your devices less and listening more to your body and mind.

 Tips for a successful Digital Detox:

•  Purge unnecessary electronic equipment. This approach can apply to entire devices all the way down to the apps on your phone. Eliminating half the apps on your phone narrows down the mental electronic clutter. 
• Miss the morning roll call. Has much really changed since falling asleep?  Trust me, if the world is ending, you will know. By skipping reading your email and viewing your social media accounts first thing after rising you’ll instantly save minutes in your day and create time for self care! Indulge in morning exercise, meditation, or a peaceful cup of coffee. 

• Write in a journal. Give yourself a break from structuring every sentence to be perfect for Facebook. Some free writing in a journal can ease your mind and desire to record yourself.

• Phone a friend. I LOVE hearing a friend's voice! A text message should look like this: Call me, need urgent no BS advice. A phone call feels: supporting, warm, calming, happy, like a weight has lifted.
• Take 1-2 day “breaks.” You don’t have to give up electronics for a long time to reap the rewards. Take a weekend off or stop at a certain time after work. Our rule is no phones at dinner and no scrolling after 9 pm. Over time, you may even find these breaks to be addictive!

Have you ever attempted a digital detox? How did it go? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Your #1 Time Saving Fan, 

Mary