What is a digital detox?
A digital detox is similar to other detoxification and purification cures in that it is about doing without a certain substance or habit that is perceived to have a negative influence on your own body or mind for a certain time or learning to deal with it in a healthier way long-term. In this case, the aim is to reduce the negative effects of digital devices on people by temporarily giving them up or restricting their use.
How do you do a digital detox?
It's best to think in advance about why you want to do a detox and what you hope to gain from it. For example, you can completely avoid using certain devices for a while or set yourself time limits or time slots that you don't want to exceed on any given day. Appropriate apps on your smartphone can help you with this. For example, screen-free times in the morning or evening are recommended. Others, on the other hand, prefer to set specific places where they do not use digital devices or avoid certain content that is harmful. However, it is also important to think about how you want to use the newly gained time so that no FOMO (fear of missing out) arises, and you don't suffer too much from the ‘withdrawal’. For example, you could read an analogue book, exercise or visit friends and family members.
What side effects can occur during a digital detox?
Especially in the initial phase, it can be difficult to give up familiar things and adopt new ways of thinking and acting. It is not uncommon for people to feel isolated or that they are missing out on something. However, with the right countermeasures, boredom, frustration and loss of meaning can be effectively combated. Another difficulty for many is that they need digital devices at work or in everyday life for essential tasks. A ‘cold turkey’ detox is therefore not possible here. In this case, it is important to precisely define the times, places and purposes of media use.
What are the positive effects of a digital detox?
However, you may soon realise that you have underestimated how much time you have lost due to excessive media use. You can now use this time for activities that are good for you – such as sports, socialising, a new hobby or ‘just’ meditation or mindfulness exercises. The quality of your sleep will improve, and you will be able to go about your everyday life with less stress as you will no longer be constantly distracted and interrupted. Over time, your attention and concentration will also improve again as fewer impressions and flickering images bombard you. You live in the ‘here and now’ again and perceive stimuli from the ‘real’ world more consciously. Your mental health could also improve noticeably, especially if you used to spend a lot of time on social media. Limiting your use or making a more conscious selection of the content you consume can mean that you compare yourself less with others, have fewer negative or repetitive thought patterns and are generally more satisfied with your life.
Digital detox holiday - giving up made easy
A digital detox holiday, also known as an offline holiday or no-phone holiday, is a good opportunity for many people to try going without for the first time. While we often find it difficult to force ourselves to change our behaviour or follow through with good resolutions in everyday life, things often look very different after a change of scenery. New surroundings, new activities or simply the absence of work stress have a distracting, relaxing and revitalising effect. During an offline holiday, you consciously refrain from using certain devices, such as your mobile phone or tablet, either completely or for a certain period of time. For example, you could decide that you will only respond to notifications that cannot be postponed once a day. The aim of such a stay in a digital detox hotel is to re-learn a conscious, healthy approach to digital media. You should always be in control of when, how and for how long you use your devices - so it’s the automatism that is the real problem.
A digital detox is similar to other detoxification and purification cures in that it is about doing without a certain substance or habit that is perceived to have a negative influence on your own body or mind for a certain time or learning to deal with it in a healthier way long-term. In this case, the aim is to reduce the negative effects of digital devices on people by temporarily giving them up or restricting their use.
How do you do a digital detox?
It's best to think in advance about why you want to do a detox and what you hope to gain from it. For example, you can completely avoid using certain devices for a while or set yourself time limits or time slots that you don't want to exceed on any given day. Appropriate apps on your smartphone can help you with this. For example, screen-free times in the morning or evening are recommended. Others, on the other hand, prefer to set specific places where they do not use digital devices or avoid certain content that is harmful. However, it is also important to think about how you want to use the newly gained time so that no FOMO (fear of missing out) arises, and you don't suffer too much from the ‘withdrawal’. For example, you could read an analogue book, exercise or visit friends and family members.
What side effects can occur during a digital detox?
Especially in the initial phase, it can be difficult to give up familiar things and adopt new ways of thinking and acting. It is not uncommon for people to feel isolated or that they are missing out on something. However, with the right countermeasures, boredom, frustration and loss of meaning can be effectively combated. Another difficulty for many is that they need digital devices at work or in everyday life for essential tasks. A ‘cold turkey’ detox is therefore not possible here. In this case, it is important to precisely define the times, places and purposes of media use.
What are the positive effects of a digital detox?
However, you may soon realise that you have underestimated how much time you have lost due to excessive media use. You can now use this time for activities that are good for you – such as sports, socialising, a new hobby or ‘just’ meditation or mindfulness exercises. The quality of your sleep will improve, and you will be able to go about your everyday life with less stress as you will no longer be constantly distracted and interrupted. Over time, your attention and concentration will also improve again as fewer impressions and flickering images bombard you. You live in the ‘here and now’ again and perceive stimuli from the ‘real’ world more consciously. Your mental health could also improve noticeably, especially if you used to spend a lot of time on social media. Limiting your use or making a more conscious selection of the content you consume can mean that you compare yourself less with others, have fewer negative or repetitive thought patterns and are generally more satisfied with your life.
Digital detox holiday - giving up made easy
A digital detox holiday, also known as an offline holiday or no-phone holiday, is a good opportunity for many people to try going without for the first time. While we often find it difficult to force ourselves to change our behaviour or follow through with good resolutions in everyday life, things often look very different after a change of scenery. New surroundings, new activities or simply the absence of work stress have a distracting, relaxing and revitalising effect. During an offline holiday, you consciously refrain from using certain devices, such as your mobile phone or tablet, either completely or for a certain period of time. For example, you could decide that you will only respond to notifications that cannot be postponed once a day. The aim of such a stay in a digital detox hotel is to re-learn a conscious, healthy approach to digital media. You should always be in control of when, how and for how long you use your devices - so it’s the automatism that is the real problem.
