Kelly Brook recently mentioned to a magazine that she is going on a digital detox. The English model and actress admitted that her “addiction” to Twitter and Instagram is proving to take up a lot of her time. She was quoted saying, “I might leave my phone for a few hours of the day because I’m always on my phone. I’m definitely going to go to the gym more.” And indeed, decluttering her digital habits has borne good results.
Thanks to the need to be connected all the time, it is quite possible that you too may be a victim of this unhealthy digital practice. You may find yourself responding to work-related emails when you are in the comfort of your home or checking your feeds on Facebook/Twitter to kill time. If you find yourself nodding to these instances, there are chances that you are in need of a digital detox.
While your need to be updated about recent happenings is beneficial, it could also be the main reason for your digital dependence. But you aren’t to be entirely blamed for it. “Being plugged in is very rewarding and provides instant gratification in terms of knowledge and communication. For some, it also translates into an external validation of self worth upon receiving responses to their online updates,” observes life coach Khyati Birla.
But there are ways to help you restrict yourself from over using your tech devices. Experts suggest that it would be a good way to start by staying away from the Internet one day a week. Life coach Devanshi Gandhi says, “Give yourself a stipulated time during which you go browse social media sites or answer your emails. Do not exceed your limit to more than an hour per day.” Just like any other form of detox, you will initially find it difficult to stay away from your favourite devices. Life coach Malti Bhojwani advises, “Stay away from your devices for a few hours in a day before going on a full-fledged detox. This will ensure that you will slowly but surely get through your detox period.”
At times like these when you are trying to declutter, experts suggest that you go old school. Malti advises, “In case of emergencies, inform your colleagues/family to get in touch with you via the landline. Second, try to reply to emails and Facebook posts from your desk only. Mute your apps, especially WhatsApp groups to avoid being notified incessantly.” Khyati adds, “Get rid of digital clutter in the form of instant messaging groups that are not relevant to you. Unsubscribe from emails that are no longer necessary for you in your current situation.”
Lastly, realise that breaking into this habit will do you a world of good. While not many may appreciate your need to declutter, know that it will benefit you. Life coach Chetna Mehrotra says, “Check for updates later: You aren’t the country’s Prime Minister, and neither is a nuclear attack coming your way. Lastly, do not apologise to others for not responding instantly.”
See if you need a digital detox too...
- Do you need to keep your phone within your sight all the time?
- Do you check it every time you get a notification and find the need to reply immediately to WhatsApp groups and Facebook comments, which are not urgent?
- Do you keep your cellphone switched on when you are clearly reminded not to. For example when you are at the movies?
- Do you find the need to check for updates several times in the night?
- Do you get paranoid and panic when you can’t find it for two minutes?
