Recharging and enjoying digital detox

Summer vacations are quickly approaching, and it's almost time for me to recharge my batteries. When I normally start vacation, I realise that I miss the constant digital stimuli of emails, social media, and Teams. It's like embarking on a digital detox, but there's a sense of something being amiss. This prompts me to reflect on why that is and what I can learn from it.

I must confess that I often find myself spending too much time on my mobile device, especially outside of working hours. I check my emails late in the evening, frequently browse LinkedIn, hop on Teams, and go surfing. Though I dislike the word, it sometimes feels like an addiction. Does this sound familiar to you?

According to CNET, Americans spent an astonishing one-third of their waking hours on mobile devices in 2021, amounting to an average of 4.8 hours per day. This statistic is quite alarming. My digital consumption is lower, but it is still higher than I'd like it to be.

Why do I care? Well, extensive digital usage and consumption, whether at work or at home, can significantly impact our attention span, mental health, energy levels, personal relationships, business productivity, and sleep quality. Extensive research has unequivocally demonstrated the negative effects of prolonged digital exposure. And as our bodies become accustomed to a certain level of consumption, we may not even notice the toll it takes. Thus, I believe it is healthy to undertake a digital detox every now and then to assess how the body copes with it.

Summer vacation provides an excellent opportunity to initiate this and change my behaviour. Here's how I approach it:

1. I've made a deliberate choice to read books only in printed format, particularly during holidays, despite the inconvenience of ordering or carrying them. Why? Because I find that I'm much more focused and attentive when I read a physical book. There's a certain joy in simply holding the product. While I typically embrace the "digital first" approach, this is an exception I don't want to miss.
2. When I go on vacation, I intentionally leave my notebook and tablet at home. You might argue that emergencies or unforeseen situations could arise, especially in my position, or that there's work to be finished during the break. However, how often does that truly happen, and can't those matters wait or be delegated?
3. I strictly refrain from checking my emails during vacation. It only serves as a distraction and drains unnecessary energy from me. Simply following the influx of emails without taking action doesn't truly add value. I firmly believe that my team should be able to function and make decisions without my presence. If I can't trust and rely on my team, then I might have a serious issue or taking myself to important. They know that if there's something truly urgent, they can text me.
4. Finally, I strive to engage in one physical activity every day during my vacation. There's something magical about running along the beach early in the morning – it brings me pure moments of joy and tranquility, allowing me to be alone with my thoughts. The simplicity, the rhythm of my breathing, the calm surroundings, and above all, the absence of distractions, create a truly magical experience for me.

I am well aware that these choices are very personal, but my motivation behind them is that, as a leader, I need to first manage myself and my energy levels before I can effectively lead others. It all starts with me, taking care of my own well-being and setting a positive example for the entire organization.

No one will remember my responsiveness or the extra hours I put in during vacation, nor will anybody remember my digital footprints on social media (except, perhaps the tech giants). However, my family will remember how I dedicated my time and gave them my full attention, truly being present. And my colleagues will see me return fully recharged, hopefully inspiring them to prioritise their own well-being during their vacations.

I wish you all a fantastic vacation filled with great human experiences!

P.S. For the one wondering where we are going. We are travelling north to Sylt, that you can see on the picture, and then to Denmark, escaping the south heat and crowds.