I Tried a Digital Detox & Here's What Happened

After reading nigh the pitfalls of overusing digital devices, I gave mine upwardly for 24 hours. Here's what I learned, and my tips for trying a detox yourself.

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It's officially summertime! Birds are chirping, the grass is green, and the sun sets by 7 p.chiliad. Farmers markets are in total swing, and gardens are blooming like crazy.

Have yous noticed these things…or are yous distracted by incoming alerts and notifications? If so, you're not alone. According to a 2015 Gallup Poll, "About half of U.S smartphone owners check their devices several times an 60 minutes…" While applied science has certainly made our lives easier and efficient in some ways, information technology'south piece of cake to become wrapped up in our digital lives (emails, calendar alerts, Facebook notifications, games, videos!) and neglect the real world.

More and more, nosotros're learning that technology can negatively touch our health. Obviously, if we're on our laptops, we aren't moving our bodies or spending time in nature. Technology has other, more serious effects, too. According to a 2015 report conducted by PLOS, a nonprofit publisher and advancement arrangement, "The Internet problems were strongly related to all of the other psychological variables such as depression, anxiety, social isolation and sleep problems." Yikes.

Although I wasn't dealing with those symptoms, I was feeling overly glued to my own devices. I decided to take a step back and do a digital detox.

What'due south a Digital Detox?

A digital detox is a strict device-complimentary catamenia. Close off all your devices, including phones, laptops, e-books and, aye, even the TV. Y'all can do anything y'all desire, other than stare at a screen.

How Long Does a Detox L ast?

While it's tempting (if daunting) to consider a full retreat from the digital globe, starting minor sets you upward for success. 20-four hours is a adept goal, but for some people even a half-day will help them to de-stress. (Want to get in easier? Consider taking a vacation somewhere without Wi-Fi!)

Here's What Happened When I Tried a Digital Detox

Every bit a author, editor and millennial, I'm constantly checking my phone and working on the calculator. I watch YouTube videos rather than read a book, and when I wash the dishes I listen to music through my phone. I noticed I depended on technology way too much and needed a break! I set bated 24 hours for my first digital detox. Sounds piddly, merely I really noticed some changes. Here's the lowdown:

My Productivity Soared

All of a sudden, I wasn't clicking open a bunch of tabs, texting or mindlessly scrolling through Facebook. Turns out those distractions added upwardly to a lot of fourth dimension. Without them, I was able to tackle my to-do list like a pro football player. Normally, I'd push dorsum things similar studying and laundry, but I no longer had an alibi. By the terminate of the twenty-four hour period, I had checked everything off and felt extremely accomplished. (Got a fiddling extra fourth dimension? Here are some cleaning tasks you probably aren't doing enough.)

I Learned to Appreciate the Peace and Quiet

Considering I'thou and then used to having background noise, washing the dishes and folding the laundry felt uncomfortable. Waiting in line: Torture! I definitely had to get used to it. In one case I did, I realized that being in a completely quiet room was relaxing. I was much more present and mindful throughout the mean solar day, and permit my thoughts wander. As a creative individual, I have ideas running through my mind all day. However, I rarely write them down or remember them. At present, because I had zero distractions, I felt more inspired.

Fun fact: Some of our all-time ideas develop when we're doing a single activity, such as taking a unproblematic walk around the neighborhood. And there's show for this, besides! According to a 2014 written report conducted by Stanford researchers, "Walking opens up the free flow of ideas, and it is a uncomplicated and robust solution to the goals of increasing creativity and increasing physical activity."

I Did More Physical Activeness

The Stanford research is a great reminder to incorporate physical action into our daily lives. The corporeality of time we spend on our devices is linked to how much fourth dimension we aren't moving our bodies. If only texting and running at the same time were possible! Because I didn't have a GPS at my disposal, I felt compelled to walk instead of drive, and I was able to explore the globe by foot. I as well wasn't streaming shows subsequently dinner, and so I had time to take a stroll and enjoy how late it was staying light exterior. I certainly didn't have a hard time getting in 10K steps that twenty-four hour period.

I Felt Calmer and More Connected

By the terminate of the detox, I felt refreshed. I hadn't compared myself to anyone else that day through social media, then I didn't feel vaguely jealous or dissatisfied. Instead, I focused on my relationships in real life, and I also embraced the quiet of being solitary. I even fell asleep faster, since the lite from my phone was not there to confuse my body.

If you're interested in taking a digital detox, here are a few tips for success:

• Mark it on your agenda and plan in accelerate. If you need your telephone and laptop for work, take a detox over the weekend. This is a keen opportunity to do things you oasis't gotten around to (anything from doing the laundry or cleaning to visiting a museum or hosting a brunch). When you plan your day in advance, you'll feel more than confident going in, and you're less likely to seek excuses (just have to check my email, or I but need to wait upwardly directions existent fast…). Furthermore, make a commitment to your detox. Once it's marked in your calendar, stick to it!

• Tell your friends and family unit. While it's great that you lot want to alive offline for still long, it'due south wise to let your family, friends and colleagues know. It'southward never fun when nosotros're trying to reach someone and their telephone is turned off. If your significant other or whole family wants to join in the detox, why non savour a day of playing games, going to a park, or only hanging out at home?

• Continue rails of your digital detox. To recollect your experience and keep runway of any effects and benefits, periodical virtually it. This is a great way to reflect, and it can inspire y'all to repeat the experience.

• If you hit a wall, keep going! I certainly hit a few walls throughout my detox. At times I felt bored, and having nada background noise felt strange. If or when this happens, remind yourself that the detox is just temporary. Become comfortable with feeling uncomfortable, and think of creative ways to spend your time.

Hither are some ideas:

• Open a neglected cookbook and try a new recipe.

• Write "Thinking of you" notes to friends, family and colleagues (or better even so, take someone out for lunch or coffee).

• Have a picnic in the park and bring a few books along.

• Wait for the sun to set and catch fireflies with your children.

• Take a nap in your backyard.

Finally, remember that a positive attitude will make your detox much easier. By the end of it, you'll feel like a make new person! As Anne Lamott one time said, "Almost everything will work again if y'all unplug it for a few minutes, including you."

Sources:

Gallup poll: https://www.gallup.com/poll/184046/smartphone-owners-check-phone-to the lowest degree-hourly.aspx

PLOS report: https://world wide web.ncbi.ncbi.nih.gov/pubmed/26244339

Stanford study: https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/xlm-a0036577.pdf

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Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/the-surprising-benefits-of-a-digital-detox/

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