9 BENEFITS OF A DIGITAL DETOX

February 11, 2022

Having a digital detox is much needed now more than ever. However, as we constantly reach for our phones to check emails, messages, notifications, and social media, it can become a distraction and even draining. Being attached to devices and feeling the urge to check your phone every five seconds in the FOMO isn’t benefiting your well-being and doesn’t allow you to savor the little moments that not only affect who you are but your quality of life.

I recently partook in a 21-day digital detox, and it was the absolute best. So amazing that I’m making this a monthly thing. In today’s post, I’ll share a few ways of how you too can benefit from the luxury of being offline and enjoy the beauty of your life. Here are 9 benefits of getting unplugged by doing a digital detox.

9 BENEFITS OF A DIGITAL DETOX

INCREASED FOCUS

Fewer distractions mean more focus.

When having a digital detox, you learn to become more focused on the present and live in the moment. Even if your job involves being on social media, you can create a better relationship with your phone and other devices to not interfere with your personal life. During my digital detox, I achieved more than I thought was possible. Tasks that I’ve put off for the longest had finally gotten done because I developed the discipline to set boundaries for my phone and other devices.

YOU BECOME MORE PRODUCTIVE

From the moment you wake up to the time to go to bed, you’ve probably lost count of how many times you’ve checked your phone throughout the day. The truth is, being on your phone throughout the day can quickly add up to 8+ hours of screen time. I’ve been guilty of this myself, and because of it, I now limit how much time I spend on my phone because I work from my laptop. All this to say, if you don’t have your phone as a distraction, you can make the most of your time and increase your productivity and get more done!

MORE “ME TIME”

Getting unplugged and spending more time with yourself is a great act of self-love. When you take time away from your devices, you can genuinely indulge in screen-free activities that fuel your soul. Think about the amount of time you spend mindlessly scrolling on social media. You can shift that energy towards nurturing yourself, which will help you create peace of mind and a deeper appreciation for yourself. You’d be surprised how much extra free time you have when investing in yourself rather than keeping up with others. By doing so, you will discover the beauty you have in your life and start romanticizing the things you once overlooked. Bettering your relationship with yourself can positively show up in your personal and work life.

HAPPIER

There are so many feelings about being on social media that can negatively impact your mood. From the news, your timeline, numbers, and also comparison. However, when you take a step back from tech, you can experience the many joys in your life and become more optimistic. When you focus on yourself, you learn what’s important to you, develop an attitude of gratitude, and experience the true meaning of happiness. It’s no secret that spending less time on our phones can reduce stress because it allows you to have a clear mind and helps you excel in the most critical areas of your life.

ELIMINATE COMPARISON

If you spend a lot of time on social media, you may often find yourself falling into the loop of comparison, which can affect how you view yourself and take a toll on your confidence. With social media, it’s so easy to look at someone else’s life and think they have it all together. Social media alone can cause you to put yourself down if you aren’t careful. Doing a digital detox can allow you to appreciate yourself and help you embrace the life that you have.

STRENGTHEN YOUR RELATIONSHIPS

Our phones often limit our physical interactions with our family and loved ones. Being on social media allows us to connect with others, and while that can be a good thing, it can also affect the people closest to us. A digital detox can help us connect and build healthier relationships with the most people we value. Instead of being on your phone while spending time with loved ones, you can have meaningful conversations that strengthen your bond.

IMPROVED MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL WELLNESS

Another benefit of a digital detox is improving your overall being. Having a digital detox can reduce stress and help you reset and reflect on the things that make you happy. You may see others living their best lives when you’re constantly on social media. It may cause you to feel like your missing out or that you should be further along in life. Since social media is filled with the highlights of people’s lives, you most likely won’t see the messy parts. Once you accept that others’ accomplishments do not take away from your success or happiness, you release the fear and self-doubt and develop a more positive mindset.

SPARK CREATIVITY

Having a cluttered mind can affect your creativity and ability to think clearly. If you are someone who gets easily distracted by your phone daily and struggles to create a clear mind space to spark creativity, then a digital detox may be the answer. This was something I found challenging in the past, and when I had a digital detox, I learned that creating free space in my mind allows me to come up with new ideas and projects.

DISCOVER NEW HOBBIES

Rather than being glued to your phone for hours, you can take up new hobbies and interests that make you feel good. This will help you disconnect from the social world and reconnect with reality. For example, you could create a fitness routine, start journaling, or do other activities in which you find joy. In addition, hobbies can reduce stress and improve your physical health. If you need a few ideas for where to start, then you check out this post, 11 hobbies for women!