LESSONS FROM A DIGITAL DETOX
After yet another Apple iphone upgrade and what seems like endless commentary on our growing obsession with all things online, I decided it was time for a time out, a voluntary digital detox.
My husband opted out of social media on his phone during our recent visit to Canada and has raved about the benefits. He’s still in touch with the world, checking ABC News and email apps regularly but reports he feels far more relaxed and just genuinely happy to be away from all the noise.
So, over the recent long weekend I completely turned my phone off and left it on my bedside table while we took a 4 day break at the beach. It was truly one of the most interesting exercises I’ve ever completed, and I know 4 days doesn’t sound like a long time but it highlighted some fascinating truths that have led me back to consciously trying (and I emphasise trying!) to be more mindful each and every day.
Here’s what I learnt;
Let me start by admitting that I just went into the notes section of my phone, scrolling madly to find where I had recorded my thoughts during the detox. What on earth have I done with them? Seriously. Of course without my phone at the beach I had to (shock) break out the notepad and pen, go back to basics and jot down my feelings the old fashioned way. This of course demonstrates how often we so absentmindedly reach for our phone. So the first thing my digi detox brought to light was just how much time we spend looking at our screens.
I am 100% guilty of checking my phone first thing in the morning and last thing at night. What a terrible way to start and finish each day! During my DD I was forced to open my eyes naturally, waking up with the sunlight streaming through the crack in the curtain. I gave myself the opportunity to feel grateful for the beautiful life I have and all the people in it whom I love dearly. I wasn’t bombarded with images and video and messaging and content, I was quiet and still and so incredibly happy to be alive.
The next thing I realised was how much constant phone contact leads to chronic over-tasking. Where multitasking can be beneficial (and necessary) at times, over-tasking is just plain overwhelming. Not having my phone next to me meant that when I went for a walk along the beach I just admired the beautiful scenery, capturing the moment in my mind not on a screen in front of me. When I was reading a magazine I was engaged and attentive and didn’t automatically flick over to net-a-porter when I saw a shoe I really liked. I found that it’s all about being present, focusing on what you’re doing now and giving over all of your senses to that one thing.
While I really benefitted from my digital detox I absolutely found it challenging. My husband asked me if I enjoyed it and when he used that particular word my instant answer was actually no. I missed my family and the constant contact I have with them, speaking via some form of communication to at least one of them every single day. Over the holiday it was hard not connecting with them and when I finally turned my phone back on, I realised I’d missed spontaneous opportunities to see and catch up with friends as well.
So, like most things in life, the end result I’ve come to is balance. Too much of anything is never a good thing, so after chatting to my neighbour over a glass of red, I’ve decided firmly on two new actions around the use of my phone; no digital devices after 9pm and to charge my phone in my study overnight, not next to my bed.
My next goal; working towards a completely digital free day on Sundays to live in the moment and indulge instead in a spot of rosé and reading.