Sometime last year, I went on a digital detox. I deleted my Facebook account, got off Instagram, turned off my phone for a day and proceeded to focus on my career and my personal projects. The first two days were great. I had more time on my hands to be really focused on what I needed to do. But after the third day (with more unanswered emails looming into my inbox), I started wondering, ‘Is technology that bad?’
The answer? No. Technology is neither good nor bad. The notion of living without it seems unthinkable but the problem lies in our addiction because we don’t control ourselves. Guess what happened after my digital detox was over? I went back to scrolling on Instagram and Facebook when I should have been doing other things! The underlying problem was definitely self-control and not technology or social media. Here’s what we can do instead of going on a digital detox:
1. You need technology
Technology is not all about Facebook and smartphones. The great thing about going digital is how it has made our lives so much easier! Instead of relying on pen and paper, we can now manage our to-do list, finances, and storage with apps.
Instead of endlessly scrolling through Instagram and experiencing major FOMO, we can use that time to help us achieve our goals (like working out with the Nike app!). A digital detox would disrupt the harmony of our automated daily processes. Perhaps we can use technology as an efficient tool to make our lives easier.
2. Goals are easier to achieve with help
Good things come to those who hustle. If you’re busy with the projects and goals that you’ve set your mind to do, you’ll definitely have less unproductive screen time. Sometimes, social media can be a source of inspiration towards achieving our goals. Like purposefully scrolling through vegan recipes on Pinterest for ideas since you’ve decided to jump on the #MeatlessMonday bandwagon. Instead of going on a digital detox, we should be open to seeing how technology can help us to achieve our goals and dreams.
3. It’s all about self-control
This is definitely a tough one. While going on a full digital detox may be counterproductive, taking a 2-hour break from your phone might help. After all, staring at a screen for too long can be harmful to your eyes. Use this time to go outside, cook a nice meal or work on that knitting project that you’ve been putting off. Learning to take control of technology (instead of allowing it to control you) will definitely make you happier, more productive and grateful for the things you have in your life.
LET’S CHAT
What do you think of a digital detox? Have you tried it? Let us know in the comments below!
Sign up for our newsletter and stay up to date
Sometime last year, I went on a digital detox. I deleted my Facebook account, got off Instagram, turned off my phone for a day and proceeded to focus on my career and my personal projects. The first two days were great. I had more time on my hands to be really focused on what I needed to do. But after the third day (with more unanswered emails looming into my inbox), I started wondering, ‘Is technology that bad?’
The answer? No. Technology is neither good nor bad. The notion of living without it seems unthinkable but the problem lies in our addiction because we don’t control ourselves. Guess what happened after my digital detox was over? I went back to scrolling on Instagram and Facebook when I should have been doing other things! The underlying problem was definitely self-control and not technology or social media. Here’s what we can do instead of going on a digital detox:
1. You need technology
Technology is not all about Facebook and smartphones. The great thing about going digital is how it has made our lives so much easier! Instead of relying on pen and paper, we can now manage our to-do list, finances, and storage with apps.
Instead of endlessly scrolling through Instagram and experiencing major FOMO, we can use that time to help us achieve our goals (like working out with the Nike app!). A digital detox would disrupt the harmony of our automated daily processes. Perhaps we can use technology as an efficient tool to make our lives easier.
2. Goals are easier to achieve with help
Good things come to those who hustle. If you’re busy with the projects and goals that you’ve set your mind to do, you’ll definitely have less unproductive screen time. Sometimes, social media can be a source of inspiration towards achieving our goals. Like purposefully scrolling through vegan recipes on Pinterest for ideas since you’ve decided to jump on the #MeatlessMonday bandwagon. Instead of going on a digital detox, we should be open to seeing how technology can help us to achieve our goals and dreams.
3. It’s all about self-control
This is definitely a tough one. While going on a full digital detox may be counterproductive, taking a 2-hour break from your phone might help. After all, staring at a screen for too long can be harmful to your eyes. Use this time to go outside, cook a nice meal or work on that knitting project that you’ve been putting off. Learning to take control of technology (instead of allowing it to control you) will definitely make you happier, more productive and grateful for the things you have in your life.
LET’S CHAT
What do you think of a digital detox? Have you tried it? Let us know in the comments below!
You make a fair point, although a detox is sometimes really worth it. I get into bad habits with all my screens (she says writing this at 11:54pm) and one weekend away from them every now and then really helps ground me and focus on my relationships more too.
Besma | Curiously Conscious
This year I started to put my phone away an hour before my bedtime, I would spend that time reading and getting ready for bed. It really has helped my sleep and made me not so dependent on seeing if someone has interacted with me on social media. I also find it a must that when I am having dinner with friends or my family, my phone is in my bag and I don’t look at it. I don’t ever want to regret missing out on the experiences I have had because I was too bust looking down at my phone. I really agree with you that we need technology but with everything it’s about balance. Thanks for the post!
Kat Rosa Olwen // Health & Lifestyle
https://www.katrosaolwen.com
Yes Kat! I totally agree. The one bad habit I hate is going for meals with friends and checking my phone – but it’s such a compulsion – I do it all the time! I don’t think a full detox would work for me either, but I do think I need to implement some structure to my technology use xx
Wow a whole weekend! I admire that, I’m always glued to my phone. x
Yeah I think some structure is really good! I haven’t completely nailed it lol but I think I am slowly getting there! x
LOVED THIS! So honest and refreshing!?
x MILA x
|| http://www.topknotkindaday.com ||
Self-control is definitley the key, I don’t think technology is bad, it’s all about how we use it! x
Ariadna || RAWR BOWS
It’s quite tough but worth it. I’m normally such a screen addict!
Glad you loved it! :)