If you aren’t sure if a digital detox is up your alley take a look at these common myths surrounding the subject:
Myth No. 1: It is impossible for people who use their phones a lot.
On the contrary, it is perfect for those of us who use our phones a lot! Technology is just like every thing else in life: if we use it too much we become desensitized to it. We can develop addictive behaviors toward it and spend a disproportionate amount of time on it without even realizing it.
But many of us use our phones for practical purposes every day and we can’t just stop doing that because of a detox. But luckily a detox doesn’t need to impede your practical use of your device. Notice the key word here is practical. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve opened up my phone to check for a text from a student and set it down after 15 minutes on Pinterest (oh, plus the 25 seconds to check the text).
For those of us who use our devices a lot the concept of a detox can be an oasis in a desert. We just have to learn to see it as such.
Myth No. 2: It disconnects you from society.
On the contrary, a detox prompts you to connect with society wisely and purposefully. If you set aside specific times of day to communicate with people you will be giving them your full attention. If you find yourself with free time that was previously spent on your phone you can use it to connect with society in powerful new ways. Write a note to a friend (by hand) and mail it. Pick some flowers from your garden and bring them to a family member (instead of sending a photo of your flowers to your Facebook friends). And tonight when you’re tempted to answer work emails at home make dinner with friends or family instead.
Myth No. 3: It is impossible for those with social media and internet driven businesses.
One of the worst nightmares for any one of us would be a job with no vacations. Or, even worse, a job with no days off. Ever. Well that is exactly what you’re dealing with if you are running a social media or internet driven business without some sort of digital boundaries.
One of my favorite concepts in violin teacher training was the idea of stepping away from the business in the evenings. Many music teachers were running their own in-home businesses long before the world started working from home in 2020 and any one of us can tell you that answering emails from bed in the morning and scanning music to students at 10pm leaves you feeling like you never actually have time off of work.
By developing healthy boundaries with technology you can experience vacation time and the accompanying mental clarity and focus that it brings in a real way.
Myth No. 4: It won’t allow me to stay in touch via social media.
But what about my friends and family that live far away? I post on social media to stay connected with them. Of course you do and so do I, but the detox concept prompts you to be mindful about when and where you post. If you take a photo of a beautiful sunset and immediately slump down over your phone to send it to friends you’re missing the point somewhat. The idea behind sharing a moment with someone includes you experiencing the actual moment. Sadly many of us miss the very moments we’re trying to document. Next time you take a photo or video worth sharing consider posting it the following day during your designated time for using your phone.
Myth No. 5: It’s simply designed for those who need more productivity in their lives.
This is not so much a myth but half of a true statement. A digital detox is absolutely designed for those who are searching for more productivity in their lives. Our phones zap away much more of our time than is necessary and a detox can help us use our devices effectively and productively. But there are many more facets to a digital detox than just productivity. Some folks may be concerned about cyber security and internet tracking; others are limiting their time with technology to improve their physical health and still others are looking for a solution to relationship problems and social connections.
In the next article we will explore the various facets of digital detoxing in detail so that each and every person can tailor their digital detox around their particular goals and dreams.
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