The Power Of A Digital Detox
We are inundated with notifications on our phones, tablets, and computers, and asked to pay attention to more news and global happening than ever before in human history. This likely isn’t breaking news to you. If you’re anything like the rest of us, you probably feel overstimulated, mentally exhausted, and at a loss for how to handle or process it all. You may be thinking it’s time for a digital detox.
Scientifically speaking our brains are not built to manage and maintain all of this information all the time. Our brains process information better than anything else on the planet, including computers, but this is more than we are actually able to handle and still maintain a sense of well-being. Plain and simple it’s just too much!
This is why it’s so important to detox from our digital devices. Detoxing the brain, similar to the body, allows for healing. It allows for a much-needed reset. It allows for our dopamine levels to even out, the chaos in our brain to subside, and a sense of calmness and clarity to wash over us. A feeling of peace.
This sounds great, right? But you’re probably feeling a little rush of anxiety at the idea of giving up all your devices and “moving to a monastery”. Here’s the good news. You can actually digitally detox without unplugging completely. Here is how to do just that:
Digital Detox Proof Your Phone
When starting a digital detox the first place to focus on is your phone. This little device plays the biggest role in our digital overload. Between endlessly scrolling social apps and never-ending notifications, it’s the worst culprit of all the screens. It’s time to take back control and detox your phone.
1.) Turn Off Push Notifications
First, start by turning off all push notifications on your phone. You can leave phone calls and text notifications on in case there is an emergency, but otherwise, all your push notifications should be disabled. This includes email notifications.
Think of it as your private space. No one else has the right to decide what’s going to be placed or show up in your private space, so why should notifications be allowed to? They shouldn’t. Turn them off.
2.) Adjust Your Phone Settings to Limit Certain Apps
Limit the time allowed on certain apps. Especially the apps you find yourself getting sucked into. (I’m looking at you, TikTok and Instagram).
On iPhones, you can go to settings> ScreenTime> App Limits and select which apps and how long you’d like to be able to use them each day.
On Androids and Google phones there are several different apps you can download which allow you to manage app use time.
3.) Turn Off Your Phone At A Specific Time Each Day
Shutting your phone off or at the very least turning on do not disturb at the same time each day is a great way to break the habit of checking your phone. This will limit your desire to check and see what new information has come in. Because you won’t hear or feel the notification vibration your desire to look simply won’t be there, giving you the freedom to focus on the things you truly care about.
Doing it at the same time each day creates a habit. Most habits take 21-60 days to fully form, so stick with it even when it feels uncomfortable. That feeling won’t last forever.
Digital Detox Proof Your Home
1.) Take Periodic Breaks From Technology
Taking breaks from technology can sometimes feel impossible. You feel like, if I don’t have my phone then I have my tablet, and if I don’t have either then I have the TV. The good news is there is actually a simple hack for this. Buy a couple of outlet timers and plug your TV and internet into them. Set the timers to turn off at the time you want to start avoiding technology. For example one hour before bedtime. Here is our favorite outlet timer. It offers a schedule on/off system allowing you to program different times for different days. At only $14 it’s well worth the investment.
2.) Create No-Phone Areas
Bedrooms should always be a no-phone area. Invest in an old fashion alarm clock and remove your phone from your nightstand. Create a phone area in your kitchen or office space in your home. Place the phones in that area at night, and leave them there until the next morning.
If you are concerned about having a phone nearby for emergencies, consider leaving them in your bathroom or bedroom closet so they are close, but not close enough that you are tempted to use them at night.
3.) Schedule Time Away From Screens Throughout the Day
Work out time each day to do things away from screens. This could include dinner with the family, working out in the morning, or a little R and R with a good book before bed. Make the decision that you are deserving of this downtime and that no one else gets to dictate where your attention should go.
Digital detoxes can be life-changing if given a chance. They allow your thoughts to refocus and may bring clarity to something you are struggling with or bring that life-changing idea to the forefront. Give yourself a few weeks to get used to it. It will feel uncomfortable at first, but changing any habit or routine does. This is worth the discomfort, and you’ll be happier on the other side.
Still have questions? Comment below or message us on Instagram.
Nika is passionate about biohacking, holistic wellness, sustainable living, and uplifting others through acts of kindness. She is also the host of the Inspired with Nika Lawrie Podcast. 🌿🖤🎙️ Connect with Nika: https://mtr.bio/nika-lawrie
