Disconnect to Reconnect

Hello, my amazing friend! 🌟

Guess what? I attempted a 24-hour digital detox last weekend. Yup, you heard right! No phone, no laptop, no TV. At first, the urge to check notifications was strong, but by the evening, I felt a newfound freedom. I rediscovered the beauty of the world around me - from the intricate patterns of leaves to the laughter of my children. It was a reminder of the many simple joys we often overlook in our screen-dominated lives. Sometimes, unplugging helps us plug into what truly matters.

Onward to the newsletter!

Digital Detox 101: Disconnect to Reconnect

Digital devices, while revolutionary & convenient, often consume us to the point of exhaustion. This week, let's delve deep into the strategies that can help pave our path to a healthier digital lifestyle:

• Scheduled Breaks:

Designate tech-free hours during your day, even if it's just 30 minutes. Ideally, I would recommend a 5-minute break after 30 mins, a 10-minute break after 1 hour, or a 15-minute break after 1.5 hours. I would not make a habit of going longer than 1.5 hours as this will significantly impact your focus, productivity, and long-term wellness.

• Bedroom Ban:

This one is a tough one as many like to watch TV, use a phone, or work with a laptop in bed. However, keep devices out of the bedroom. Your sleep sanctuary should be screen-free. If you make the bed a place of agitation, engagement, and busy work, it will only serve to exacerbate sleep issues, especially as you get older.

• Mindful Consumption:

Question yourself - "Is this content adding value or just eating my time & energy?" This is of the utmost importance in the Digital Age as what we consume is often low in power and only serves to confuse, misinform, or deplete our energy reserve by stealing our time.

• Offline Activities:

Engage in hobbies that don't involve screens, like reading, painting, or just a walk. I love board/card games with the family, as well as a classic like Dungeons & Dragons (yes, I am such a nerd!), which engages the imagination and boosts creativity.

• Tech-free Meals:

Make meal times about the food and company, not the screens. This is another tough one for many so consider mindful eating at least once or twice per week. Having a sit-down meal has many benefits that go beyond mindfulness (lowering stress, better body composition, enhancing relationships, etc.).

• Notification Nirvana:

Limit notifications only to the essentials. Not every app needs instant attention. Try the Focus setting or an app that can help to minimize notifications and manage your time better. Block out specific times in the day for items that normally interrupt your awareness - social media & email notifications.

Did you know?

According to the American Psychological Association, over 60% of adults attribute increased stress levels to prolonged screen time. The continuous bombardment of information, often negative, affects our mental health, which is why a digital detox isn't just a choice but a necessity.

A World Beyond Screens

With the rise of telecommuting and digital entertainment, the lines between work, leisure & digital consumption have blurred. Companies like Microsoft & LinkedIn have been advocating for 'focus hours' - designated chunks of time without meetings or digital interruptions, allowing employees to truly focus.

Similarly, global retreats offering 'digital detox vacations' are becoming a trend. These retreats, amidst nature, with limited to no Wi-Fi are a definite refuge for many seeking a break. In the World’s 1st Web3 retreat in Sri Lanka that we hosted last summer (2023), screen time dropped by a whopping 60-80% during the event for all in attendance!

In Closing

In this digital age, maintaining a balance between connectivity and mental wellness is challenging, but essential. Remember, every time we choose to set our screens aside, we're making a conscious choice for our well-being. A digital detox is more than a trend; it's a return to our roots, a reminder of the world beyond pixels.

"Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master." – Christian Lous Lange.

Much Love & Respect,

Bebe

P.S. Unlock your Inner Genius to Maximize your Potential in the Digital Age

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