Digital Detox: Tune Out from the World and in to YOU
Have you found yourself glued to the news cycle as the daily COVID-19 case load numbers are tallied and the State Premiers shuffle in for their daily presser? Have you ditched footy tipping for guessing the daily count? Has it has been helpful for you to listen experts rake over the analysis coals, arguing about the best strategy? Read on for 7 tips and tricks to detox from digital overload, to help you tune in to what’s really important…you!
Vanessa Hollo, Seed Yoga Teacher, taking some time away from electronic devices.
Would it be more helpful to limit your exposure to a timed daily dose of news? Perhaps you could allow yourself just ten minutes each day to read the headlines? Set a timer so that you are not sucked down the rabbit hole into an endlessly spinning vortex of new stories. Alice, do you really need read an interview with a principal whose school in the western suburbs has been closed for deep cleaning? I didn’t think so.
And speaking of the consumption of information; what are you really getting from social media? My own feed is filled with both COVID-19 warriors AND conspiracy theorists. Their blather is like a dysfunctional couple arguing at the next table at your favourite Italian trattoria. Which only reminds me that going out for dinner is um, off the table. Besides, nobody wins.
I’d prefer to stay somewhere in the middle; to follow the current advice which in my part of the world (for today at least!) is to social distance and wear a mask. I’ll leave the debate, alien lizards and epidemiology ‘r’ factors for others and keep my own headspace clear. It’s a bit like Barack Obama limiting his need to make a decision about what to wear with his capsule wardrobe of his three suits and five ties.
Here’s a few ideas for how you can tune out of external world and find more inner space:
Turn off push notifications. Getting constant updates on what’s happening in the world is distracting and takes you away from the present moment
Convert your screen to black and white. One reason our devices are so addictive is that they’re vibrant. Go retro! Many smartphones now allow you to change the settings so the entire phone appears in gray scale. It’s an easy way to stop the scroll.
Put away your phone during meals. Enjoy the colour, taste and smell of your dinner and the company around the table.
Make your bedroom a no-tech zone. Leave the bedroom for sleeping and sex! You’ll sleep better and feel better.
Read your books old school…as in actual books: Enjoy the feel of paper and special bonus, books will not interrupt your reading with a digital notification. Score!
Edit your social media account: Get rid of people who post negative stuff, or who you met 7 years ago on a horse riding camp. Stay in touch with those who you love, who inspire you and uplift you.
Protect your body: I’m a fan of orange and blue light glasses to reduce EMFs…yep, I’m the weird looking one on the zoom call! They allow me to sleep better and wake feeling refreshed.
Over to you to think carefully about what serves you best. How much time will you spend on news and social media tomorrow? Remember that energy goes where your attention flows.