5 Ways to Digitally Detox for the Holidays
I have good news and bad news. The good news is 2020 is almost over. Yeah!
The bad news is we’re more connected to digital technology than ever before, and this hyperconnectivity may be having a negative mental and emotional impact on us.
This is one reason I recommend social distancing from our devices. Social distancing isn't just about reducing the spread of disease. It's also about protecting our mental and emotional well-being.
We can do this by being intentional about creating tech-life balance. This means setting boundaries for when, where, and how you use your technology, which allows our brains and bodies to recover from the stress of being constantly connected.
During this holiday season, here are five ways to digitally detox and maintain your sanity.
Take an audit of your digital life. Take a few moments to pause, reflect, and ask: how is digital technology adding value to my life? How is it getting in my way? What’s my intention for how I would like to use digital technology in my life?
Take a break from optional technology. If Instagram or your favorite news site isn’t helping you take much-needed downtime or maintain healthy connections with friends and family, take a break from it for the next few weeks.
Have a dedicated device for virtual holiday gatherings. If you plan to connect virtually with loved ones, consider using a dedicated device such as a tablet for that sole function. That means no checking out Instagram while grandma is on the Zoom call!
Buy a real alarm clock. If your smartwatch or phone is getting in the way of a good night’s rest, it’s time to buy a real alarm clock (yes, they still make them!) and charge your devices outside your bedroom.
Sleep more. Yes, you read that right. For many of us, the holidays are a time to take a break from our hectic day-to-day lives. Use this as an opportunity to put down the devices and re-establish a good sleep routine.
How will you digitally detox this holiday season? Let me know in the comments.
Ready to take the next step? Grab the free Mastering the Art of Work-Life Balance in a Digital World Workbook + Personal Technology Audit.
Meico Marquette Whitlock is a digital wellness and leadership coach who helps changemakers create lasting work-life and tech-life balance so that they can do good work better. Meico is the founder and CEO of Mindful Techie, author of the Intention Planner, and a certified mindfulness teacher. He has worked with organizations such as Blackbaud, Network for Good, Cigna, Greenpeace, and the World Wildlife Fund. He has been featured on ABC News, Fox 5, Radio One, and at events such as the Nonprofit Technology Conference. Learn more at mindfultechie.com or connect with him on LinkedIn or Instagram.