Ways To Digitally Detox For A Weekend
Ways To Digitally Detox For A Weekend
I've gotten pretty use to my monotonous routine. Work, sleep, laundry, grocery shopping, housework, and repeat. I stare at computer screens for 90% of the day at my 40 hour a week job. I tell myself the last thing I want to do, and am going to do, is stare at another screen when I get home. Inevitably, that is exactly what ends up happening. I get home, kick off my shoes, sit down, and either "click" on the TV or pick up my phone and start scrolling. It is so easy to get sucked into what's going on in "social media land"! Mindlessly scrolling for hours on all the different platforms; each one offering something different, yet they are all the same. TikTok, Facebook, Twitter/X, Pinterest, and Instagram just to name the big names. However, there are many more. I can tell myself 15 minutes and when I look up again; it's been an hour! This routine is especially frustrating when the weekend rolls around and it's just more of the same thing. I want to live life; not just existing within it!
I decided to challenge myself! It was time to try something new, force myself to make a change and unplug by taking a break from screen time - Digitally Detoxing!
So, Friday at 5pm I unplugged from life as I know it. For me this meant silencing calls & notifications and putting my phone in a place where it wasn't visible all the time. The following is a list I put together as a guide and inspiration for a weekend offline:
1. Plan Adventures:
- Visit Local Gems: museums, markets, or farms I said I was always going to visit.
- Drive To The Beach: Visit a beach or state park that I'd never been to and go for a walk to experience it.
- Take A Friend On A Road Trip: Flip a coin for every turn or traffic light. Heads - turn right, tails - turn left. See where it takes you. On the adventure stop at any place that sparks my curiosity. Take a break and have a meal or a treat somewhere new. Try a new menu item.
- Go to a hot spring
Getty Images: Walk on the beach
2. Try Or Create Something New:
- Cook a new recipe from scratch - A fancy new dessert, bread, or special main dish. Try using ingredients I have never worked with before for an extra challenge.
- Write a letter to a friend or family member - It's so special to get one in the mail!
- Art Project or Crafts: Try painting with watercolors, beading, or even coloring in a colorbook (they aren't just for kids anymore! And some of the designs are so cool!)
- When you Cook that new recipe....invite some friends over for a digital free evening of old school games, food, and drinks!
- Meet a friend for coffee, something tasty, and deep conversation.
- Build a bonfire and enjoy each others company. It doesn't only have to be when you're camping!
- Keep a list for the weekend of things I am grateful for.
- Meditate
- Go for a walk - Notice the small things: the smell of the forest, the leaves rustling in the trees, the sounds of the birds and bugs, Is there a breeze?
- Take a long bath or shower - Turn on my favorite tunes, light some candles, use that special body wash, facemask, or lotion. Self- Care.
- Journal
Getty Images: Relaxing Soak
When taking the time to disconnect from screen time, I noticed that my life felt more at ease. I felt more at ease, more mindful and engaged in what was happening around me as my brain got a break from the screen time it had been being subjected to. Daily tasks and conversations left me feeling more connected to myself and those around me, which left me feeling more energized and blissful. I am really proud of myself for finally opening the door and trying a few new things that I have been putting off and I feel like such a badass! I realize I can't remove myself all the time from this digital world we live in, however, an occasional digital detox is soul connecting!
Comments
Post a Comment