In this increasingly fast paced and digitally influenced world, it’s difficult to find the time to switch off. Since many of us are busy with work and check our phones on a daily basis, it can seem daunting when someone mentions a ‘digital detox’.
Many of us would jump at the chance to leave our phones at home and go on holiday without the temptation to check our feeds, but for others it can be incredibly difficult. It isn’t surprising that giving yourself a break from the perils of Instagram comparison, or Twitter feeds is incredibly beneficial for your mental health, yet it’s learning to switch off that people have trouble with. The wellness experts over at Shakti Himalaya have given their 5 tips for learning to switch off and refreshing your mind.
1. LOG OFF
Social media, emails and news feeds are easily accessible. With the touch of a button, we fall into this digital world, almost suffocating with its sheer amount of content. The best way to kick start a detox is by logging out of all of your social media. When it comes to going back to your phone, and with us millennials having a much shorter attention span, you’ll find you won’t want to spend time logging back in.
2. MAKE REAL LIFE PLANS
One of the best ways to really switch off is by making real plans with friends and family. Forget a quick phone call or Skype session, this is about human contact. The fantastic feeling you get after meeting with good friends and not looking at your phone once is irreplaceable. It’s best to keep your schedule busy so you’re not tempted to lounge around on your phone. Perhaps visit the cinema with a friend; you will have no choice but to detach yourself from the outside world.
3. DON’T SET UNACHIEVEABLE DETOX GOALS
The worst method for a digital detox is by banning yourself altogether from any contact with your phone. This won’t work and will only increase your chances of boiling over and heading back to your phone. Its best to allow yourself to check your apps, but give yourself timed sessions. You might give yourself a short block at the end of the day to check everything once – but don’t linger. This will leave you feeling more relaxed after you have seen what’s going on online, but you don’t have to continue scrolling for hours.
4. LEAVE THE GADGETS AT HOME
If you’re serious about the detox, it may be best to leave your digital items at home altogether, be it your phone, laptop or iPad. If you leave them behind you will have no choice but to exempt yourself from the online world. It may be slightly frustrating at first, but soon you won’t notice and will learn to live without.
5. DON’T BE TEMPTED
It’s easy to say you’re going to have a quick scroll through your feeds, but you’re suddenly there for hours checking each app. You are once again attached to the digital world you wanted a break from. Try and make yourself aware of your actions. Many of us don’t even realise when we’re picking up our phones. When you feel you want to check your feed, remind yourself that there won’t be anything worthwhile to view, and you’re only hindering your chances of having a real detox.
