9 Signs You Need a Digital Detox

Living in the 21st century, our ability to access information is easier than ever. With so much information flooding into our lives through the screens we set up in our homes or hold in our hands, there comes a time when it all can just be a bit much. The need for a digital detox is more important now than ever before.

 In this digital age, the majority of people spend so much of their free time watching tv, browsing the web, or checking their phones for unnecessary updates. Going down these rabbit holes inevitably results in anxious tendencies, restless nights, depression, and utter exhaustion.

If you don’t recognize this as yourself, you probably know someone close to you like this. Either way, unless you are an 80-year-old hermit living in the Alaskan bush, you could probably benefit from doing a digital detox.

Signs You Need a Digital Detox

Still in denial that you’re technology habits aren’t that bad? Take a look at these signs, then decide for yourself if it’s time for you to do a digital detox.

1. You’re constantly stressed
2. You have trouble sleeping
3. Feeling a lack of self-confidence
4. You have tons of “Friends” but no relationships
5. You’re getting sick constantly
6. You can’t go 1 day without looking at social media
7. You’re always anxious
8. You’re constantly comparing your life to others’s
9. You’ve been depressed

You Might Be Addicted to Your Phone if…

1. Checking updates or social media is the first thing you do when you wake up, and the last thing you do before bed.
2. You neglect in-person relationships in favor of scrolling.
3. You insist on watching something while you eat.
4. You absolutely cannot leave home without your phone.
5. Religiously monitoring your email and post performances throughout the day is like a part-time job.
6. You text while driving…
7. It’s more comfortable for you to be on your phone than start a conversation with the person next to you.

Things to do on a Digital Detox Day

Turning off your devices for a whole day can seem a bit daunting at first. Deleting an app or turning off your notifications may even be unthinkable for some. 

If you trying to disconnect, you’ve got to start somewhere. Log out from all of your accounts, turn on your do not disturb, and maybe even leave your phone at home. Instead of reaching for your phone, your computer, or the remote try out one of these activities instead.

1. Be Creative. Practice playing an instrument or test out a new hobby! Take your shot at knitting, painting, drawing, or even something more trendy like macrame!
2. Test out new recipes! Cooking and baking are great ways to practice self-care by indulging in a sweet treat or learning to cook something wholesome and healthy.
3. Organize your space. Taking time to declutter your surroundings is a great way to push the reset button.
4. Go for a walk. Use this time to get some fresh air outside, if you can. Exercise is a healthy and natural way to destress.
5. Visit a friend. These days technology often supplements real-life connections. Leave your phone at home and start a conversation with someone.
6. Read a book. Challenge yourself to a little self-development and pick up some books for personal growth.
7. Try out your hand at Gardening! Taking care of plants is an excellent way to combat depression and destress naturally.
8. Do nothing. Spend time alone without thought, and meditate. Be silent, and ask yourself who you are beyond your name, career, and relationships.
9. Journal. Acknowledge your feelings and your present awareness of the world around you. If you don’t like what you see, change your perception. Learn to be thankful for what you have by using a gratitude journal.

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What to Expect

When you finally put down your devices and spend some time away from the digital world, you will notice some changes in your life. Maybe not immediately, but little by little you will feel a difference.

Here are a few benefits of taking time off from your devices.

Benefits of a Digital Detox

1. You inject yourself into the present moment. When you minimize life’s distractions the veil between you and “the now” is lifted. All is well, right now as the past and the future truly only ever exist in the space of our minds.

2. You may experience a self-confidence boost. When there are fewer images, stories, and people flooding into your existence you have more time to focus on yourself, and fewer opportunities to compare yourself to others.

3. Your perspective may become more positive. The digital world is often filled with jaw-dropping, shocking, “content worthy” clickbait which does nothing but paint a very negative and abhorring picture of the world around you.

4. You may experience more restful sleep. When we spend time watching tv, checking social media, or browsing the web before bed our natural circadian rhythm is disrupted. When we do not allow our brains adequate time to wind down before bed, we often experience restless sleep.

5. You may experience increased creativity. When there are fewer distractions given to us, we will naturally find other things to do to occupy our time. However, when technology is absent we are more inclined to use our hands and our minds to create something.

6. You may just start feeling better. Studies have shown that reports of depression, suicide, and anxiety have increased drastically over the last ten years, as certain technologies have been incorporated into our normal daily lives. Much of it has to do with the amount of information we have access to, and not having enough mental fortitude to take in the good and breathe out the bad.

7. You just might start getting shit done. When you have fewer things taking up your attention, you will have more time to dedicate to the things that help you get closer to your goals.

What next?

If you want to get started in more self care activities join us in our 5 days of Self Care Challenge below. Our free eCourse is designed to help you start living your life for you, full of happiness and health.