This weekend, my family and I went to one of our favorite campgrounds, a place in the Colorado mountains that has gorgeous pine forests, a cold and clear river, cliffs for climbing, and no cell service at all. For me this was a welcome and intentional move, I know I need dedicated breaks from technology to reconnect to myself, my loved ones, and nature. I had spent much of the week on my computer and phone, planning and promoting retreats, gatherings and trainings, doing schoolwork, and increasingly noticing the effect of spending hours each day attached to my devices. Leaving my phone at home, we headed out, and within minutes, I felt my nervous system relax, my mind clarify, and my heart soften. Throughout the weekend, I enjoyed being present with my family, my body, and the beautiful river, trees, plants, animals, and cliffs all around us. Coming home, my attention is more focused, my body is more relaxed, and my ability to stay present and act as a witness to the daily goings on of my life stays with me.
In today's technology-driven world, our constant connection to digital devices has become a double-edged sword. Social media and information technology have undeniably revolutionized the way we connect and communicate with others. However, along with the many benefits, there are also some major downsides to their pervasive presence in our lives. The ever-present allure of smartphones, tablets, and computers can lull us into a sedentary lifestyle that poses numerous risks to our physical and mental well-being. Physically, screen time not only contributes to a lack of healthy movement, leading to detrimental effects on cardiovascular health and weight, but it also strains our eyes, potentially leading to long-term vision problems, as well as the loss of curvature in our necks, leading to spinal column damage and neural disorders.
Another significant drawback is the impact on mental health. The addictive pull of this instant mental stimulation takes us out of our body and into our heads, causing lack of mind-body connection and ultimately diminishing our overall quality of life. Constant exposure to carefully curated online profiles can lead to feelings of inadequacy, fostering a culture of comparison and self-criticism. The addictive nature of social media and incessant notifications from our phones can easily hijack our attention, leading to decreased productivity and difficulty focusing. The constant stimulation of our devices keeps our nervous system in an active sympathetic mode all day, leading to increased cortisol, adrenaline, anxiety, and insomnia.
As screens dominate our lives, the need for a digital detox is becoming increasingly crucial. Unplugging from the digital world may seem like a daunting task, but the benefits that await us on the other side are truly transformative. Let's explore why a digital detox is essential for our mental, emotional, and physical well-being:
1. Reclaim Your Mental Clarity:
Our daily interactions with digital devices bombard our minds with a never-ending stream of information. The constant notifications, pinging messages, and scrolling through social media can leave us feeling overwhelmed and mentally fatigued. By taking a break from the digital world, we allow our minds to rest and recharge, and our nervous system to balance. This mental decluttering enhances concentration, creativity, and problem-solving abilities, enabling us to approach life and work with renewed focus.
2. Foster Authentic Connections:
While digital devices claim to bring us closer, they often lead to superficial connections. We sacrifice face-to-face interactions for virtual conversations, forfeiting the richness of genuine human connection. A digital detox allows us to rediscover the power of authentic relationships. Without the distractions of devices, we can reconnect with friends, family, and ourselves on a deeper level. From heartfelt conversations to shared experiences, offline connections nurture our emotional well-being and provide a sense of belonging that no online community can replicate.
3. Improve Sleep Quality:
Digital devices have wreaked havoc on our sleep patterns. Late-night scrolling not only steals away precious hours of rest but also disrupts the quality of sleep. The blue light emitted by screens suppresses melatonin, the sleep hormone, making it harder to fall asleep and causing sleep disturbances throughout the night. By disconnecting from digital devices before bed, we allow our bodies to return to their natural rhythms, promoting restful sleep and waking up feeling truly rejuvenated.
4. Reconnect with Nature:
The digital world often tethers us to our desks or couches, limiting our connection with the natural world. A digital detox offers an opportunity to venture outside, breathe in fresh air, and immerse ourselves in nature's beauty. Engaging in outdoor activities, such as hiking, swimming, or simply sitting in the sunshine, has been proven to reduce stress levels and increase feelings of well-being. Reconnecting with nature provides a much-needed reset button for our souls, reminding us of the profound healing power of the natural world.
5. Rediscover Personal Passions:
We often tuck away our personal interests and hobbies when consumed by the digital world. A digital detox gives us the time and space to reignite our passions and pursue activities that truly bring us joy. Whether it's reading, painting, cooking, or playing an instrument, dedicating uninterrupted time to our favorite pastimes can reignite our creative spark and add fulfillment to our lives. We may even discover new talents or interests that were previously overshadowed by the constant hum of technology.
A digital detox is not just a momentary break from screens; it is a radical act of self-care. By giving ourselves the gift of unplugging, we regain mental clarity, forge deeper connections, improve our sleep patterns, reconnect with nature and our body, and rediscover our true passions.
How to do a Digital Detox:
When doing a digital detox, make a plan for how long and prep for it finishing crucial tasks and letting relevant family and co-workers know you’ll be offline. You can embrace small daily habits, such as instituting “Intermittent Fasting” with your technology. Most days I aim to keep all devices off between 8pm and 8am. I also force digital breaks by leaving my phone at home while I go for a daily walk or hike. But at times, and especially if your career requires you to be constantly attentive to your digital devices, it can be life changing to institute a true Digital Detox and give yourself days of uninterrupted pure presence with reality. This is one of the things I’m most excited about at my annual winter women’s retreat in Mexico this year! Equilibrium Healing Resort and Spa is intentionally designed to give guests the experience of a digital detox and reconnect to the bliss of true connection. Read on for more about The Queendom Retreat, January 11th-16th in the jungle of the Sierra Madres near Puerto Vallarta.