Disconnect to Reconnect: A Guide to Digital Detox for Mental & Emotional Well-being

In the fast-paced life, it has become harder to neglect the constant bombardment of WhatsApp messages, Instagram notifications, and all the information. The alluring pull of smartphones and laptops most of the time gives an overwhelming feeling causing stress, exhaustion, and exertion, and also affects the mental & emotional health. As beneficial the digitalization is, it gets toxic at certain times and no matter how hard one tries, one cannot do digital detox for a longer duration. In this blog, we present you with a few methods that will help you indulge in digital detox without putting much effort. But before starting, let’s dive into the meaning of digital detox.

Digital Detox is a period where a person does not indulge in any sort of digital activity involving smartphones or laptops. This particular time is taken as an opportunity to release stress and focus on hobbies other than scrolling Instagram reels. Digital or say technology detox creates a balance between your work and leisure.

Steps toward conscious efforts to unplug from the digital world & reclaim time for mental well-being

1. Acknowledge the Necessity:

   Acceptance and realization is the first step towards making a change in your lifestyle. It is a must to acknowledge within yourselves that now is high time! If not now then you’d never be able to come out of this labyrinth. If you constantly check your notifications, and if the phone is the first thing you look for in the morning, then you need to start detoxing As Soon As Possible!

2. Know the Motive:

   Nothing becomes successful unless you have a clear motive behind doing it. Before starting, ask yourself, “Why do you want to do a phone detox? What benefits are you rooting to during and after this detox process?” Once you answer your questions, you will have a clear set of goals in your mind which will help smoothen the process.

3. Start with Small Steps:

   You do not have to take a huge leap on the first try. Start with avoiding your mobile phone for around half an hour, during this period you can focus on any of your hobbies. Gradually, decrease the screen time as per your work schedule. Make sure while doing so, you do not hamper your work. Internet detox doesn’t mean that you do not finish your necessary work.

4. Indulge in Hobbies:

   Hobbies like reading, drawing, painting, etc. have now found their place in mobile phones too. While taking time off your work, instead of engaging in any of these activities online, opt for reading paperbacks, drawing, and painting on your canvas, and you will see the difference in your energy.

5. Reconnect with the World:

   The prime goal of doing digital detox is to connect with your surroundings, nature, friends, family, acquaintances, etc. Put your phone aside and step outside to take a walk and breathe some fresh air. Utilize this time to meet people with whom you text daily, this will make you feel more connected to the real world and give you a delightful feeling.

6. Take Mini Breaks:

   The work these days mostly involves laptops and mobiles. It’s impossible to cut them off for longer durations, but sliding them away for a few minutes wouldn’t harm. Take a 10-minute break from the screen after every 40 minutes or 1 hour. This will relax your eyes and you will be able to work more efficiently.

Aren’t they simple? These few steps can be the kick-start to your digital detox journey. While taking a break from technology is beneficial to your mental, and emotional well-being, you can also follow few steps to ensure that your eye health remains good as well.

Steps to Ensure Good Eye Health During Digital Detox

1. Wear blue-cut sunglasses when working on your laptops so that you do not face eye strain.

2. Maintain a certain distance between your eyes and the screen.

3. Wear polarized and UV-coated sunglasses whenever going outdoors to shield your eyes from the harmful sun rays and bright light.

4. If you feel uneasiness in your eyes, immediately consult an eye doctor.