Let’s talk about the digital detox – the holly Grail of digital wellbeing at the moment. If you have been following our social media channels, you will probably know by now that at Voxel Hub we do not believe in the effectiveness of a complete unplugging from the online content, work, fun and other forms of interaction with our tribes. However, in the spirit of questioning ourselves, I thought I would write up a few tips for those who wish to use go down this root nonetheless:
- Prepare – choose the right time, get all your work done, empty your inbox, brief your friends and family on your detox plans and clear your headspace – there is really no point in taking time off screens if your mental awareness still focusses on the unfinished tasks, worries about that family member who is in the hospital or a parent who is in the habit of reaching out to you daily/weekly
- Go softly – digital technologies are so well integrated into our reality that you might struggle switching off entirely – for instance, I would not like to go for a hike without my smart watch helping me track my miles – so go softly. Besides, our will power works like a muscle so it is important not to overuse it. Start small. Accept your small failures and celebrate small wins. Every small shift in your habits towards a more balanced digital wellbeing is a huge win for your future self.
- Reflect – if you like the idea of a digital detox do it with full awareness – journal, discuss it with friends, list at least three core learnings and make a small action plan. What did you learn about your habits? What did you enjoy? What can you implement going forward for better digital wellbeing? When will you start that new habit? Commit to the change today.
I would like to remind you that even in wellbeing the idea of detoxing is common, yet not entirely effective. It is much better to improve our long-term habits instead. To use this helpful quote from the Healthline:
Your body is frequently exposed to toxic substances. However, most of the time, it can remove them without additional help.
While detox diets may seem tempting, their benefits likely have nothing to do with vanquishing toxins, but rather with eliminating various unhealthy foods.
A much smarter approach is to eat healthier and improve your lifestyle rather than go on a potentially dangerous cleanse.
via Healthline
My clients often initially assume that I spend all my time digitally connected when in actual fact I don’t. I spend most of my weekends offline. I spend at least one day each working week in therapy with clients – most of that day in person with them. I do not feel overwhelmed with digital technologies, because I have the skills and intention to use them in a balanced way and for my wellbeing. It takes time, experimentation and reflection.
So if a digital detox is a good start for this journey for you, do it. I would love to hear more about how digital detoxes work for you.
