We can command control of so much knowledge but it’s too easy to be accessible and contacted, in so many ways. We react and respond, not realising how much time we spend in our land of technology and social media.
Do you ever feel like you’re working to much in your head, that you have so many ideas running through your mind? Feeling not centred, grounded or still. You may well benefit from taking some time out and having a digital detox.
Have you been working late to reach deadlines and not been able to switch off and get a good night’s sleep? Perhaps your schedule needs changing and rearranging so you can have down time prior to bedtime.
Using social media to advertise through posts and interactions, I have been able to fool myself, that I am working. The hours per week climbed, and I can now say in some ways that the need to be available and respond to events comments and likes, had become a compulsion.
It can feel addicting, don’t get me wrong it’s great to keep in touch with old and new friends and see what they are up to, be happy and congratulate them on the events occurring in their lives. Though in some ways I wonder if I also have a FOMO, Fear of Missing Out.
I didn’t consciously try to reduce my time or step away from the screen, but a combination of holiday, family, and DIY tasks meant that I had very little contact on social media for the last 10 days.
Hindsight is a wonderful way of observing the past, and I encourage you to investigate how you use technology and how tied you are to it. By doing this we can consciously choose.
Where intention goes energy flows. Imagine social media is like looking out the window, lots of things are going on and can capture our attention. We can procrastinate and spend more time than we think watching, or we can go out and enjoy, or focus on our goals. So, it’s best to set your intention for the day and maybe break down the steps required to achieve your goals.
Are you connected to your phone all day long? Did you know some studies highlighted concern of neurological effects on young people.
How to Digital detox
Limit your Scrolling and screen time to 1.5hrs a day, or start to wean down the time you spend
- Maybe set a time to check emails and messages, do this earlier in the evening to avoid the mind being too active before rest.
- Go old school, go and call round to talk to people, use a landline, make a list, write notes, go to the library to research, ask for advice, use a calendar or Filofax, use a camera, get an alarm.
- Can you leave your phone in another room or at home?
If that’s impossible consider, using aeroplane mode or turning it off for a while.
If you work with computers, maybe have a cut off time. Try to limit use after a certain time e.g., 1930 or 2000. This will give you time to adjust and switch off before bed. Instead of the being tempted to watch the television, consider:
- Reading, playing music, going for a walk, writing a gratitude diary, having a warm bath, meditation.
- Talking to a loved one on the landline, popping over to see a friend or neighbour, writing a letter or reaching out in a different way.
- Pick a small task to complete, that’s achievable, maybe stack the washing machine for the morning.
- Garden, with the light nights, take advantage, this will also help you to ground.
Distance yourself from your smart phone or computer to reduce your exposure to radiofrequency radiation and perhaps keep your electromagnetic field clearer. These can dramatically reduce your exposure:
- Keep your phone in your bag, briefcase, or handbag.
- Put your phone on the other side of the room or bedroom when you are resting or going to sleep. This will not only ensure you are not temped to stay up later scrolling. It also means, if you use your phone as an alarm, it ensures that you must get up rather than press the snooze button.
- Use land lines whenever possible, reserving mobile phone use for shorter conversations and emergencies.
- Use Hands free technology to put more distance between the device and yourself, use the speaker or wired headsets when able.
- Remember that communicating whilst driving even if using hands free can be distracting and is one of the main causes of accidents, switch off or on aeroplane mode.
Get away from it all, remember being young and free, out on your bike and in the park, when you had to be home by dusk. Why not have a day or a week digital detox.
- Go hike a mountain, not only will that help ground you, but reception is also sometimes limited. Join a walking group or ramblers association.
- If you have trouble switching off your technology or work think you should be always available. Take up a new hobby that you won’t be able to get reception or answer your phone: kayaking, swimming, pottery, meditation or mindfulness class, yoga, racket sports. Get out and enjoy your time, undisturbed. You’re more likely to continue to do something if it is enjoyable and beneficial, so what have you always fancied doing?
- Go Camping, weather a night or a weekend, being in nature is a great detox, and reception is sometimes limited as is electric to charge your device.
- Retreats are a great way to turn off and step away from your device, whether that is for a day, weekend or a week. Stay in the moment and keep your head space clear to process your healing. This is part of our philosophy at Healing Here retreats.
- Holiday, why not turn your phone off completely, leave it in your room, maybe use every couple of days, especially if no Wi-Fi in your hotel. Turn off to avoid roaming charges. Cruises are great for not having great reception, unless in port, although some do include a social media package.
Track your use, you might not know how much screen time you are using, why not set to remind you of a daily limit, or to let you know how much you have used each week.
Though during the pandemic, many of us have increased our use of technology. Working from home or being in touch with family and friends, has connected us even if unable to see and interact. Maybe look at how you have carried on some of these habits and if consciously you want to continue.