Digital Detox: Tips for Unplugging
As trees shed their leaves and birds begin their migration south, our team at Mi BOWL has been discussing ways to stay well as daylight time decreases. We wrote about some winter wellness tips last week, and this week we want to focus on a somewhat adjacent topic but one that we’ve been hearing a lot about. That is, how can we better manage our relationship with our technological devices? As the temperatures cool outdoors, it can be tempting to spend more time on our phones, in front of laptops screen, or televisions. In this blog, we talk about why it’s important to be intentional about how we relate to and use technology, especially during the winter months. Doom scrolling, non-stop notifications, and the constant bright light from screens is highly addictive. The vast majority of us are guilty of it. There’s no doubt that in this day and age, our digital devices can rob us of our precious time and mental health if we don’t manage it.
Why is this important?
Over the last decade, more and more research has shown an inverse relationship between psychological wellbeing and average screen time. In other words, as screen time and/or screen usage increases, psychological wellbeing decreases. As a company that prides itself on promoting a healthy lifestyle, we strongly support practical ways to stay physically and mentally well. Being intentional about your screen time is one way to increase mindfulness and lead to a healthier and more meaningful lifestyle. Need we say more about why you should consider this?
Here are some tips to support you in your digital detox.
- Set Clear Boundaries: Decide when you'll be online and when you won't. I personally check my phone once an hour during the day, and limit my time on it to responding to urgent messages only. In the evening, I’ll spend 30 minutes scrolling through news apps and/or social media to see what I’ve missed during the day. It’s important to stick to timeframes that you’ve established as closely as possible.
- Turn Off Notifications: Those pings and dings are the culprits that keep us hooked. Disable non-essential notifications. If possible, turn them off entirely! This way you can be more intentional about when you check your phone and why. Do you really need to know every time a person likes your post?
- Create Screen-Free Zones: Designate spaces in your living area where screens are a no-no. The dining table, for instance, can be designated as screen-free so you can focus your attention on your loved ones during meals.
- Engage in Offline Activities: Dust off those board games, pick up that novel you've been meaning to read, or dive into a hobby that doesn't involve screens.
- Connect with Nature: Embrace the cooler weather by spending time outside. Whether it's a brisk walk or just stargazing on a clear night, nature's serenity is a balm for the soul.
A digital detox isn't about eliminating technology completely; it's about using it mindfully. As you embark on this journey, take notes on what strategies work best for you, and whether you notice improvements in your ability to focus, tune into your creativity, or simply connect with yourself and others. Keep in touch @mibowlmeal and let us know if these tips are useful to you.