Is being constantly plugged in getting in the way of you being a more productive, thoughtful, creative, happier and healthier human being? If you answered yes, in addition to going booze or sugar free this month, there’s another lifestyle recalibration worth considering: The Digital Detox.
We hear a lot about it these days, but what is a Digital Detox? It’s simply taking a break from technology and switching off or stepping away from our gadgets to get a fresh perspective, re-focus and re-set.
Obviously, as marketers, a complete no exceptions allowed barring of digital devices for a month is unrealistic, and could possibly get you fired! But while the year is young, and with the rise of wearables and even VR in the near future, right now seems like a good time to establish some healthy habits around the use of our devices. And the great thing is, you can do it in whatever form works best for you.
Here are just a few reasons to adopt a healthy balanced approach to being “connected” this month:
Build Better Relationships
If you’re in a meeting, being repeatedly distracted by notifications from a phone or smart watch is really off-putting and will signal you’ve got better things to do. It also has a twofold effect: other people copy that behaviour and pretty soon nobody is looking anywhere but their screens; and it demonstrates a lack of respect to other people in the meeting. This also applies at home. Technology in the bedroom can really sabotage your love life, so try leaving your phone in another room when you go to bed. I mean, your loved one is much more fascinating than a phone… right?
Putting away your phone will help you be more present and connected to the people around you. So get acquainted with the ‘do not disturb’ setting on your phone and disconnect to connect and improve your relationships.
Shift Your Perspective
We live in an era of “information obesity” and all that data and information is addictive. Incessant checking of smartphones, email and social media is draining. Increasingly, being on a digital device takes up most of the ‘empty space’ we have in our day when we are not doing something specific.
If your phone isn’t buzzing or beeping every few seconds, you might just start to relax and breathe deeper. Try taking in experiences in the moment, through your eyes and not your phone’s camera lens. Wow, try being free to enjoy that empty space once and awhile!
Increase Productivity
Have you ever noticed how a great idea or solution tends to pop into your head when you’re away from your computer?That’s because, too much screen time can really mess with your creativity and productivity.
Taking periodic breaks from your computer, or a walk without your phone, will help you focus and improve your ability to concentrate single-mindedly.
Improve Your Attention Span
Studies show that since the year 2000 the human attention span has been reduced by our dependence on gadgets. Every alert we receive distracts us from what we’re doing. Reclaim your attention by switching off unnecessary alerts and push notification on your phone, tablet and email. It will be less tempting to check them all the time. Another benefit of having an increased concentration span is that you become a much better thinker!
Sleep Better
Too much screen time before hitting the hay can have stressful consequences and keep you awake longer.
An easy solution is to set cut off times and stick to them! In most cases it can wait until the morning, so it’s a good idea to avoid checking emails just out of habit. And remember you can always set an out of office message. Taking this time out will ultimately give you the ability to see things more clearly, make better decisions and handle the speed of the digital world when you hook back in.
Improve Your Health
In addition to afflictions like “text neck” and the obvious physical side effects of sitting too long in front of a computer, there are also real psychological impacts of screen addiction and constant digital processing. Information overload is a serious issue as is FOMO (‘fear of missing out). Google and other clued-in employers are leading the charge on encouraging unplugging and tech-free times. An ‘always on’ culture and being too dependent on technology and social media can lead to lacklustre performance, anxiety and depression.
This FebFast, I’m committing to a more balanced digital lifestyle with:
- No phones in the bedroom
- Gadget-free meals
- Shut-off times
- Switching off alerts from certain apps
- Daily walks without phone
- Reading an actual book with printed pages and a spine!!
What about you? When you try The Digital Detox, we’d love to hear how it goes. We welcome any tips and strategies that work for you that we can share here as we all tackle how to keep our digital lives in perspective.
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