Digital Detox – what do those words conjure for you? Are they scary? Terrifying even?
If so, then you’re probably someone who’s got more to gain from a digital detox than most. (And I realize that’s probably not what you wanted to hear.)
Digital Detox: What is it?
Simply put, it’s a period of time spent “unplugged” from the tech devices and gadgets that so many of us are tethered to. I recently read an article by Max Knoblauch on Mashable that offers a humorous (and perceptive) look at the subject, It begins:
“Let’s go camping,” you thought. “Let’s go way out into the woods,” you thought. “Let’s leave everything here, and go have life-altering epiphanies about the beauty of nature and the interconnectedness of all things.”
But now, you’re panicking. This stupid campsite doesn’t have Wi-Fi.
Indeed, for many, going without an internet connection, for minutes, let alone days, can be a challenge. And that’s one of the reasons that it’s so important to plan on ‘detoxing’ periodically. Just as our beloved devices need to ‘reboot’ occasionally after long periods of use, so do our human brains.
We live in a world of near-constant chatter as we are bombarded with news and information. In the midst of all of that, our selves can shrink and recede. There simply isn’t space, between Tweets and Facebook posts and YouTube videos and 24/7 news (not to mention e-mails, spreadsheets, blog posts … the list goes on). So, as challenging as it might look, taking a breath and stepping away to reboot your brain is a wonderful (and powerful) gift to give yourself.
Digital Detox: 3 Timely Tips
So, if you are ready to embark on a digital detox, here are 3 timely tips to help you along your way:
- Set clear time boundaries for your digital detox. Position yourself for success by making sure the time-frame you set is a stretch, but not an impossible one. Starting small allows you to practice and grow into longer and longer ‘tech-less’ periods. You’ll learn more and build confidence when you assimilate the fact that this is a step-by-step journey.
- Tell your friends, family, and co-workers what you are going to be doing. Your sudden disappearance from the on-line world will be upsetting for them otherwise. And the more you share about your digital detox, the better able they will be to support your efforts. They may even be intrigued and join you!
- During your tech-less time, pay attention to how you feel. Jot notes as you go. What do you miss the most? Perhaps even more important, what do you NOT miss? These items on the NOT MISSED LIST are parts of your routine that you may want to consider cutting out when you plug back in. Those Facebook games you were playing … were you actually relieved to turn away from them? Or how about those news-feeds you tracked each morning? Or that weather app? Or any number of other things that become so embedded in our lives that we don’t notice them (or the fact that they have lost their meaning).
Are you considering stepping away from technology? I highly recommend it as a way to rejuvenate yourself and, potentially, declutter your world.
If you do embark on a digital detox – or if it’s something you have experience with – please share your comments. We’d love to hear!
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You can give yourself the gift of this wonderful resource today, and get started on your journey toward success, Stepping Stone by Stepping Stone …just click this link.
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