Every year during the holiday period, I take the time to reduce my usage of digital devices. In effect, I have a digital detox.
I limit my social media use and put an out-of-office reply to my emails. I watch less TV and really embrace summer and all the activities it offers. Christmas is the one time of year when almost everyone, including businesses, closes for two weeks.
It’s the one time of year I do not have to worry about anything related to my business and be able to prioritise my family.
A digital detox offers numerous benefits, including:
• Improved mental health: Reducing screen time can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve sleep quality, and boost overall mood.
• Enhanced relationships: By disconnecting from technology, you can spend more time with family and friends, strengthening your bonds and creating lasting memories. Perhaps even have a device-free date night with your partner.
• Greater mindfulness: A digital detox encourages mindfulness, allowing you to focus on the present moment.
• Reclaiming time: Remember when we used to read paperbacks or chat with friends without screens? Personally, I use some of this time to read a couple of novels
• Sleep and serotonin: Screen blue light messes with our sleep patterns. A detox encourages better sleep hygiene, improving mood and overall well-being.
Some Strategies for a successful digital detox:
• Designate a tech-free space: Choose a specific area in your home where you can relax and unwind without distractions.
• Establish tech-free times: Set aside specific periods during the day, such as mealtimes or evenings, when you’ll completely unplug.
• Use apps mindfully: If you can’t eliminate technology, use apps mindfully. For example, turn off non-essential notifications and unfollow accounts that fill up your social media.
• Set screen time limits: Use your device’s built-in features to limit your daily screen time.
• Rediscover old passions: Pick a hobby you’ve neglected, such as reading, painting, or gardening, or explore brand new hobbies.
• Spend time outdoors: Take walks in nature, hike, or sit in your backyard and enjoy the fresh air. Pay attention to the sights, sounds, and smells around you.
• Inform: Tell your family and friends about your digital detox plans.
• Set boundaries: Politely decline social invitations that involve excessive screen time.
Remember, a successful digital detox is about balance and moderation. It’s not about eliminating technology from your life but rather about using it mindfully and intentionally. By taking steps to disconnect, you can experience a more fulfilling and meaningful holiday season.
