What my digital detox taught me may surprise you. It surprised me.
- Barbara J. Mayfield, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
A month-long vacation provided the ideal opportunity to try a digital detox.
After reading the book Digital Detox by Molly DeFrank, and writing two posts that described the dangers of digital overuse and the benefits of a digital detox, I wanted to experience the results for myself.
In preparation for our vacation, I created all the social media and blog posts for the month and scheduled them in advance. The only ones added during vacation were weekly posts sharing highlights of our trip. Time spent on social media was limited to responding to comments on these posts.
While on vacation, my smartphone was used almost exclusively for taking photos and sending and receiving texts from my travel mates, which were rarely needed as we were together most of the time.
While on the cruise portion of our trip, our internet package allowed only one device per person. I chose to be connected via my iPad, which I used to check emails once or twice a day and make notes of items to take care of after vacation.
However, I did use my iPad to read two books on my Kindle app, which is a purpose I want to increase, not decrease.
My laptop made the trip but was only used to download files from the author team to review after vacation and to save photos. It was rarely used.
In summary, time spent on digital devices was drastically reduced during the month.
What I learned by doing a digital detox:
I was surprised by how much creating and scheduling social media ahead of time is a huge time-saver. I have always planned posts by the week and scheduled by the day, and now think planning could be more efficient by the month and scheduling by the week.
I was surprised by how avoiding social media scrolling not only frees up your time but can also improve your mood. Keep the connections, but avoid the ads, negative posts, and mindless reels. You can check notifications for comments to reply to without having the annoying notification sound turned on.
I was surprised by how many people were looking at their phones when surrounded by new sights and experiences. Keeping my phone in my fanny pack and not in my hand, I looked at the scenery and engaged with my travel mates rather than my phone. I wonder how much we miss while looking down.
I was surprised by how much taking and sharing photos can be an amazing feature of smartphones and can enhance the travel experience.
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed reading books on my iPad. Although not my favorite way to read a book, it is a huge asset when traveling. A reading app becomes your library without the weight.
I was surprised by how well limiting myself to checking emails only once daily kept me up-to-date, saved me time after returning home, and prevented me from missing important dates or information. For me, taking a total break from emails is more stressful than making quick daily check-ins.
Ways to detox without going cold turkey:
I think you’ll agree my detox was not an elimination of digital usage, but an intentional cutting back. Consider these ways to detox your digital habits:
Spend less time on social media by batching your content creation and scheduling more in advance. Make it a weekly or monthly task rather than a daily one.
Once or twice a day, check your notifications for conversations and comments to respond to. Avoid mindless scrolling.
Park your devices in an accessible location, and be fully present where you are and with the people around you.
Savor the moments, capturing the images and videos you want to save and share.
Keep at least one book ready on your device. Spend time reading rather than becoming distracted by social media, games, or anything that doesn’t build you up.
Set aside a window of time each day to clean out your inbox. Delete the junk, make lists for follow-up, and respond as needed.
Read more about why and how to regain control over technology in these posts:
“All technology has no conscience of its own. Whether it will become a force for good or ill depends on man.” ~ John F. Kennedy
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