Digital Detox

The late communications professor Clifford Nass said in a 2010 interview:

“We have scales that allow us to divide up people into people who multitask all the time (checking emails, text messages, etc.) and people who rarely do, and the differences are remarkable. People who multitask all the time can’t filter out irrelevancy. They’re chronically distracted. They just can’t focus and keep on task. They are pretty much mental wrecks.”

Once you are wired for distraction, you crave it.

According to a recent report majority of people would rather go without food and other daily staples than be without their mobile devices, therefore digital detoxing is not as simple as it sounds.^[14] Symptoms include lack of concentration, a feeling of irritation if separated from your device or when your battery is running low, looking at your phone first thing when you wake up, ignoring people while you are at your digital device, and reduced productivity resulting from overwhelming use of digital devices.^{[15]  (Source-Wikipedia)}

Many people are realising the importance of digital down time in cultivating healthier lives, achieving ambitious career goals and in generating more productive work habits. 

Digital detox refers to a period of time during which a person refrains from using electronic connecting devices such as smartphones and computers. It is regarded as an opportunity to reduce stress or focus on social interaction in the physical world.

“Cool it. Carve out spaces of silence and solitude in order to do the deep thinking that creates meaning out of chaos. Emptiness is powerful and sacred, the birthplace of new possibility. Make those spaces for yourself.” (Annalie Killian-social media maven)

The benefits of digital detoxing go beyond the ideological. Research has shown that too much time with technology can disrupt sleep patterns, hinder the ability to think deeply and increase stress.

Meanwhile, the opposite of compulsive smartphone use - mindful meditation – has been shown to reduce stress, eliminate insomnia and increase ability to perform under high pressure.

Challenge yourself: Any feelings of panic you may experience about being switched off are habitual. The world is unlikely to fall apart if you don’t answer an email (side note: the people in high-pressure jobs need digital detoxing more than anyone!). Challenge any thoughts about needing to switch on, and draw your mind back to the here and now.

Enjoy

While digital detoxing is a reward in and of itself, the journey can be rocky. Schedule in some time to reward yourself for sticking to the plan, by choosing something you “never” have time for. Enjoy!