The Digital Diet Plan
Phase 1 : Detox
First one must practise a digital detoxification. It is not until we unplug from our devices that we become aware of the true nature and size of our digital dependency. |
Phase 2 : Reintroduction
A mindful reintroduction into the digital world with guidance and support on how to lead a balanced life.
|
Why do I need to Detox?
1. Removes anxieties.
In a recent study, 1 in 3 felt worse after visiting facebook[i] as many compare their “friends” lives to their own which, for many regular users of social media, can conjure up feelings of jealousy, envy, inadequacy and loneliness. 2. Helps treat FOMO. You can laugh, but FOMO (a.k.a Fear Of Missing Out) is now a recognised psychological disorder. With the constant stream of activity, the fear of missing out even an ‘instagram’-ed milkshake can be hard to handle. Digital detox helps you to see the JOMO (a.k.a Joy Of Missing Out) or just joy. 3. Time to reflect. People use their devices to fill time and distract themselves from the reality. But in our fast paced lives of the Digital Age it's now more important than ever to step away from the rush and reconnect with your self and catch up with your thoughts. 4. Reconnect with nature. Too often we are starring at the addictive screens and neglecting the life that is going on around us. We would rather look at online images of filtered landscapes instead of looking at what’s on our doorstep. Take a walk, ride a bike and don’t be afraid to get lost and see where you end up. |
5. Embrace creativity.
We are all creative beings but are limiting our creativity by constantly consuming the continuous feed of information we find online. 6. Get stuff done. Many of us think because we are sitting in front of a laptop we are being productive. Many fear that without their laptop they are riddled useless but in many instants this is simply not the case. On the flip side, some of us are aware of how distracting emails, social networking and endless articles are to our daily duties, but binge on them anyway. 7. Talk to people, face to face, eye to eye. Being constantly connected to people undoubtedly has its advantages, but how much is this distracting us from face to face interaction with people who are important to us. 8. Become aware. Out of experience, it's not till you cut out devices for yourself that you begin to see just how engrossed people around us are in their devices. Perhaps an unsettling sight, but it gives you something to consider once you reintegrate digital into your routine. [i] http://healthland.time.com/2013/01/24/why-facebook-makes-you-feel-bad-about-yourself/ |
Do I need a digital diet?
The virtual world has given us an illusion of connection, not just in connecting with people but our true self.
In the fast pace digital world we live in, it's easy to neglect our well-being and get caught up with the culture of FAST. MORE. NOW. Vibrating phones, 'selfies', pings, email,email,email, tweet, notification, facetime - the decision to use or not use our devices is suddenly no longer up to us. Out of the 66 people asked, 62% of people said they find themselves trying to escape technology, with 26% admitting that they feel like they can not escape.
If you experience any of the symptoms listed to the right, then it is strongly advised that you practise a digital detox. If you are unsure, then there is no harm in trying. Digital balance is as much about disconnecting with your devices as reconnecting with your self. Use this time during detox to find solitude, reflect and focus on yourself, nature and the people you care about, face to face. "People are more concerned |
Symptoms of an unhealthy digital diet
|