Digital Detox

What is a digital detox and why is it important?

A digital detox refers to a period when an individual stays away from devices such as smart phones, smart watches, computers and social media sites.

Detoxing allows us to focus on real life social interactions and encourages us to live in the present moment without distraction. ??

How does a digital detox contribute to one’s overall health?

Research indicates there are many wellness benefits associated with disconnecting from the digital world. Benefits may include:

• Increased productivity – by stepping away from the digital world we give our minds time to process, absorb and grow
• Enhanced relationships - living in the present moment allows us to appreciate the important people in our lives
• Less stress – technology overload can cause anxiety, stress, and generally isn't very good for your mental health
• Improved focus – turning off social media notifications reduces distractions from our work and lives
• Better sleep – a break from the digital world allows our mind to calm and slow down before going to bed

How to do a digital detox

Like most life changes, it’s usually best to start small. To detox, commit to not using your digital devices during set periods – start for short periods and gradually extend until you find a healthy balance. The steps below will also assist you to reduce your digital usage.

• Introduce a rule to stop looking at your phone from 7pm in the evening to ensure you have time to wind down for a restful sleep
• Have a no phone rule at meal times - “introduce the no shiny face rule at dinner time ”
• Turn off push notifications
• Consider installing an app such as the Freedom app or Cold Turkey app which allow users to set time limits on their apps settings
• Make tech free areas in your home
• Track your digital technology usage daily
• Create free days or time periods in the week

To avoid “anxiety” the following steps may make your detox more manageable:

• Inform friends, colleagues and family that you are starting a digital detox; ?provide them with alternative ways to contact you and remind them to expect a delay in your responses
• Tell a friend who you can be accountable to and boast about your screen free days and hours
• Write a list of things you would like to do on your digital devices and attend to this when you are back online

Encouraging employees to embrace a digital detox for their well-being.

Burnout and stress are common amongst employees – it is, therefore, important for companies to remind employees of the benefits of a digital detox and the importance of taking care of their health and wellbeing. Leadership teams can lead by example and share stories about how they successfully completed their digital detox.

The potential dangers of self-diagnosing and taking medical advice from the internet.

It is very common for people to go to the internet when they experience a medical illness.? While the internet provides a great pool of information, interpreting the information correctly is often a challenge. The internet often points us to exaggerated symptoms and worst-case scenarios which in turn may lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety.

Social media support groups can also be a great medium for people to talk about health issues; they can aid with de-stigmatising health issues and are often a great source of support. However, there is a high risk of misinformation where unqualified members offer medical advice.

In today’s society, there is constant pressure to achieve results fast, however, in life and business, we must remind ourselves that sometimes we need to slow down in order to speed up. ?Hard work must be followed by breaks and rest – this is often when the magic happens.