To detox is to intentionally rid the body of “toxins”; whether it be a controlled substance or other toxins derived from the environment and our nutritional intake. Detoxification (the proper term) is important for keeping the body and the mind in a state of renewal. If you keep the toxins inside of you, they eventually cause damage to your organs and overall state of well being.
A digital detox is the technological version of a traditional detox. Rather than drinking detox tea, admitting to the detox unit at a hospital or dipping your feet in a detox pool, you would log off – log off from any and all media that is considered digital and harmful to your well being in one way or another.
Examples of media which you might require detoxification from include but are not limited to:
- Cellular phones
- Social media
- Online news
- Laptops or computers
- Online or cable TV
- Online or traditional radio
- Video production equipment
- Audio production equipment
Maybe you need a break from them all… Maybe a select few.
You decide based on which is most harmful at the time, if at all. To help with your decision, here are three (3) reasons why you might need to digitally detox:
Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS)
Secondary trauma stress (STS) refers to a traumatic response that is the result of witnessing someone else’s trauma. In the technological age, news can reach half way across the world in an instant. Sometimes the news can be truly horrific. These days news is not just a report, but it’s often graphic video or photos. STS is very real, but overlooked. Over time, it becomes necessary to reduce or eliminate your exposure to digital news and reclaim your peace.
Energy Transference
Another reason you might need to detox is to reduce or eliminate the negative influence of others. You won’t accurately recognize the impact of this until you begin your detox. However, the energy in the media can be heavy and negative. Just by you reading, viewing and exchanging in discourse, the energy of other users infiltrates your mind. Ideas that are not your own begin to dictate the way you feel, think and even act. Detox to clear the mind and start fresh ever so often. Keep your energy sacred.
Burnout
We use technology now more than we ever did. We use it to communicate, to do our jobs and even to socialize. This truly is the digital age. However, blue lights, radiation emission and poor posture (common culprits) naturally take a toll on our bodies over time. It’s a great rule of thumb to use technology in moderation anyway. Aside from the physical affects of overuse, mental burnout may also occur when you do not take sufficient breaks. If you feel worn out or you experience physical wear and tear from your daily activity, a recharge is in order. One of the best ways to recharge is to disconnect from your devices and reconnect with your natural habitat. Spend time with people you enjoy, engage in a hobby not linked to technology, eat good food, take naps, read paper backs, go out into nature, take a walk, soak up some Vitamin E, and let the universe do what she does best – restore.
A detox can last for as long as you need it to. This may be for a day, a few days, a few weeks or even months. Whatever length of time you choose, what’s important is that you commit. You owe it to yourself to do all it takes to be well. Create a digital detox ritual, where you select a predetermined schedule for regular detoxing and prepare not only yourself, but those around you, for your time offline.
Go ahead: Log off, hang up, deactivate, stop scrolling, turn it off~! Be well.
Intentionally Yours,
Juanita Michelle
LMSW | Personal Mastery Coach | Lifestyle Blogger
Be Bold. Be Free. Be You. Period.