Digital detoxes are kind of my thing. If you haven’t done one before - I strongly recommend giving it a try. Nowadays everything is on the screen and even though we know it isn't good for us, it’s hard to stay away. My version is more of a mini detox - I cut out social media and limit tv (including streaming services), reading the news, random internet use and searching. I primarily use my devices for emails, calls and texts and honestly it’s not that hard for me to do them - and often. I stopped turning the news on every morning 15 years ago and I’ve never been big on social media. TV kind of went out the window when I had my daughter and I’m not a fan of the need to constantly respond to texts and being pinged - it's just a lot of pressure to be on ALL the time.
People ask if I want to be informed on what's going on. My response? Of course to some degree but I also want to preserve my sanity - especially at times like this.
With social media, I get it (sort of) from both the connection and business side and yes many have built their businesses solely using social media. From what I hear Facebook is great for groups but for me it’s a pretty overwhelming place. I use Instagram as a source for inspiration and to meet likeminded people but it has also become a place where I spend time scrolling, searching, comparing and wind up feeling crappy at times in addition to the information overload. For the time being, I'm connecting with those I need to via text, phone, emails and yes even Zoom at times and I try to limit the amount of group texts I'm in. For business I’m leaning into Pinterest and hopefully YouTube. Personally, I feel like most of what I want to look at and share is more intentional on those sites. So in the end it's a win-win for me!
What I'm noticing during my current detox:
I hear myself more clearly and have been able to gain some clarity on how I want to help others.
I see how much of a time steal mindlessly scrolling and screen time can be. I have more time for the things that actually need to get done and some downtime.
I’m not questioning myself as much. When I want to write or post something I post it here and on Pinterest and I don’t think about how I want to share it on Instagram and Facebook or question my writing. It saves me a ton of time and it’s very freeing.
Along the same lines, I trust myself more. I still love seeing how people style things using Pinterest but it’s more intentional when I search. I start by listening to myself and doing things my way and only search for inspiration if needed.
It makes me more in tune and content with the life that is right in front of me. There’s no time to compare or feel like what I haven’t isn’t good enough because HI - IT IS!
I’m able to see the world through my eyes not how it’s perceived on a screen through the news or social media.
So how can you go about doing a detox...
First tune into yourself and how you're feeling - you'll know when you need to detox so you can do it as needed or plan one.
Whether you decide to do a mini detox or a full detox that’s up to you - do what is right for you.
Communicate to others if necessary and mindfully. This again will depend on how much of a detox you are doing and how active you are on your devices and social media.
If you want to stay "informed" ask a friend or family member for brief updates or opt to read specific updates from a credible source.
Use the time to reflect and all of the things you feel you never have time for - you should have some extra time. Cook, bake, read, write, take solo walks, exercise, pickup a new hobby, get involved in community work, household projects and enjoy more uninterrupted family time.
If you want to chat more about about detoxing digitally, let's connect here.
Photo byVegan LiftzonUnsplash
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