What is digital detox and how to start
Digital detox is an intentional break from screens to reset focus, mood, and priorities. Not because of a trend － but because of statistics. Can you imagine that the average user spends 7 h 4 min in front of screens? We check our mobile phones 96 times daily on average. 71 % of people check their phone within 10 minutes of waking up. And social media users spend on average of 2.5 hours per day on platforms.
Reducing screen time means reducing anxiety and stress, encasing mood, improving sleep quality, and reducing symptoms of depression. I found some interesting TryTimeOut statistics about digital detox before I actually decided to try it.
I decided on a digital detox for the pas two years in a row. Small challenge for a digital freak, huh? =) The first detox was actually part of circumstances, the second one was my personal decision. I probably practiced it earlier, subconsciously. Not because I don’t like technology － but because I love it! And when there is too much, a break is important.
So here is a simple guide to reclaiming focus, clarity, and real life from screens.
Why did digital detox become part of my life?
Working as a digital specialist doesn’t mean I prepare a few posts for social media. Not even to have a few good ideas. It is full interaction, day and night occupied by screens. And it has been the same since I started more than 7 years ago. Noticing how heavy interactions can be on social media, in emails … on every platform where you have to deal with people. Including explain, sell, promote, make deals, be innovative, have ideas, and follow trends and algorithms － from a business perspective.
Or as a user, on the other hand. Mostly noticing how social media are being used. To be fun, be liked, have as many followers as possible, interact, comment on whatever. All for likes or being likable? Who is better? Who has more likes?
I don’t actually know what the intentions of people using different digital platforms are. I mostly follow what I like, what helps me learn, and what challenges me from a good perspective. I also follow those I know in personal life.
Creating or being a creator. Whatever! i decided it was time to PAUSE!
Digital detox – ON. What now?
I decided to shut down Wi-Fi. 14 days, no digital interactions. Only time for me and what I really like when I am not online.
Oh wait… What do I like? =)
Reading books was part of my digital detox, and I decided to read a few books. One of them was Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport. How to live better with less technology?
It’s a process:
- Decide on a 30-day period when you can pause from digital technology completely.
- During these 30 days, try to go back to activities that bring satisfaction to your life.
- At the end of this period, start to involve technology back into your life with a system. Decide which technologies you are using and why. How are you going to use them?
Sounds like a plan Newport recommends. Cleaning your digital system is like cleaning your house. Try to keep it minimalistic. Keep technology to support you, not to work against you.
It is not only about technology. it is also about our relationship wit it. Define what technology you want to involve in your life and why you are using it. Select and live behind all tools you are not using. The philosophy behind technology is also about the time we spend on specific platforms. Focus on those you prefer, leave behind what is not serving you. Cleaning up clutter is liberating. The feeling is good but hard to explain why. People who made this experiment were more satisfied with the result than expected.
How to start with digital detox? Cal Newport suggests…
Digital detox is mostly about new technologies: apps, websites, tools on mobile phone or computers, video games, video content… Take 30 days of pause from all unnecessary technologies. From those you can afford to shut down without causing work or private-life trouble. If you can avoid all technologies for 30 days, even better.
At the end of the digital detox you will know what technologies to use, and what is not serving you. With a clearer mind. Simply enjoy life for 30 days without feeling guilty or having fear of missing out. The first week can be tough. Every next one gets easier, and thoughts become clearer. During the challenge, discover what you really like. How do you like to spend your life? Being alone for a while can save you in the most unexpected ways. The reward is pure happiness and more confidence. You will become more connected with yourself.
After this test, try to avoid using technology between 9 PM and 7 AM. Live a digital life that serves your real life and keep it minimalistic.
Importance of digital detox on social media
The influence of social media interactions is huge and has a big impact on our mental health. Social media increase the feeling of loneliness and can lower our physical health. The result is lack of happiness －but not, if we use it correctly.
If we use social media to stay in touch with friends and people we like, they bring us joy. So, here is a question for you: How does social media make you feel? Digital detox can help you find the proper meaning of social media and the interaction you want. Build communication you prefer with the community you choose.
We can blame social media or other channels, but those are built by humans. How do you feel after following specific groups, people, or content? Good? You are welcome. Bad? It’s time for “cleaning”.
A community built only on “likes” and “follows” might not serve us. Especially in the long term if we don’t feel like an appreciated part of it. Trying too hard to be likable at place we don’t belong can become exhausting over time.
By the way, did you know the “Like button” wasn’t invented by Facebook? Newport mentioned it was invented by the FriendFeed service back in 2007. half a year later, Facebook added it to their platform and changed everything.
Later Facebook decided not to show like counts under posts because of negative impact. On the other hand, I question myself:
- Are we giving likes because we really like something?
- Are our like honest , or is there another intention behind them?
- Can we become what we like?
- Do we want to?
- Do we ever think about what we support in the digital environment?
We are not only choosing for ourselves. We are making decisions for generations after us.
Or one simple question －what world do we want to live behind once we are gone?
Digital detox can help us discover answers on these questions.
Aristotle believed that a life of a reason is the happiest life. He believed we need activities that serve satisfaction in order to truly live well. Not only activities that serve specific purposes.
Quality life = quality time
Newport explains quality time as using personal qualities in the physical world to create something meaningful.
Digital detox as a new Google trend
Oh dear Google, what a surprise －and I actually mean it. It is rare for technological geeks to recommend a digital detox. Knowing how important it is by you －I think that is professional. Still, searching for trends before starting this blog post was kind of a paradox for me. You know… Not only using Google but also asking AI what digital detox is, how to start it, why it is important… On the other hand, it is beneficial to get the right directions, and technology can support these steps. But using an app for digital detox? Let’s try to avoid that. Find your own recipe. Repeat it when you have the opportunity, and you will find the right direction.
How was I during my digital detox?
I decided to give myself 14 full days without Wi-Fi, phone, or any other technology interactions. I took time for things I genuinely like. Those are hiking, cooking, reading books, swimming, yoga, coffee in public with myself, chatting with strangers I don’t know … The only think I did during detox was use a camera －photography and short videos are my soul fulfillment. I knew I could use them later for social media and personal reflection. Years ago I kept the material only for myself. Yes, I really was private as possible.
And this year I am repeating digital detox. Probably during summer when temperatures are high and I like to be more relaxed. Without promises, without plans.
My advice? Take it or leave it, here it is. At least try! Even if you have no idea what to do, believe me how fast you will find activities without digital distractions. Having fun is part of it. Not because it is a trend, not because Google said so. =D Try for yourself. I honestly support this trend. When the time is right, forget about this blog post and do whatever you like for yourself.
Here is my perspective and the perspective from a book I like. Cal Newport Digital minimalism －your book was really helpful during my detox experience. I hope this blog was also helpful for you to find some direction for yourself.
Have you ever tried a digital detox? Share your experience with me on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn －I’d love to hear your story.
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