I Made a Digital Detox Plan And Here’s What Happened.
I have been struggling recently. I was getting overwhelmed with everyday tasks, comparing myself unfavourably to other entrepreneurs, and withdrawing from social interactions. So, I decided to give my central nervous system a reset and I planned a day of self-care without tech!
My 24-hour Digital Detox Plan
I was conscious of not overscheduling myself so I planned a relaxing day starting with a good hurkle-durkle, a nutritious breakfast then driving down the hill to go for a hike in nature and enjoy a relaxing float before picking my online grocery order and driving home for an evening reading a book.
What Actually Happened During My Digital Detox
Like all good plans, there were some hiccups along the way but I didn’t let them throw me off. Johnny woke me up at 0630 wanting his breakfast so we got up and did his thing, then came back to bed for a good HD session. I was just waking up again at 8 when the phone rang so I got up and chatted while making breakfast (sauteed veggies with scrambled eggs and Cobs sourdough toast).
Digital Detox Plan Strike 1
I took a picture of my breakfast and texted it to a friend, then remembered I was doing that today. Ooops! Strike 1.
Digital Detox Plan Strike 2
I realized that I didn’t know exactly where I was going for my hike so went online to look up where I needed to drive to, and the route of the trail. Strike 2. After settling Johnny in his crate I grabbed my pack and jumped in the car.
My hike was fabulous. I parked on the road at the gates to Paul Lake Provincial Park then walked down the road to the lakefront rec site from where I easily found the hiking trail up to Gibralter Rock. (Anyone know why they spell it wrong?). At the summit, I took a couple of photos and ate my protein energy balls, then traced my way back down. The birds were singing and I was visited by a beautiful butterfly (which to me is my Dad popping by to say ‘hello’). Recently I have been listening to audiobooks on the awesome free library app Libby, which is great in it’s own way, but definitely takes me out of being present with all my senses. I really enjoyed hearing the sounds of nature around me, although on the way up it was mostly a soundtrack of laboured breathing! I used my Garmin watch to track my walk, and according to the parameters of my detox, that was absolutely allowed.
Digital Detox Plan Strike 3 & 4
In town I drove to a new coffee shop, only to find that they weren’t were I thought they were, so I used Instagram to look them up and my maps app for directions. Strike 3 & 4. The London Creative is a fun apothecary, coffee shop and vintage store furnished with mismatched old sofas and serving delicious treats.
I indulged in a hot cacao with a mushroom blend and topped with rose petals! Of course I took a photo, but I didn’t post it until now!
At Bliss Float Centre I used my phone once again, but this one isn’t a strike against me because I played a meditation track over Bluetooth to enhance my float experience. I highly recommend creating your own playlist, or in my case putting an Insight Timer track on repeat, rather than using the music they play. Personalizing my audio journey allowed me to sink into that transcendental liminal space more readily, and most importantly to stay there throughout my 90-minute soak. I always set an intention for my float sessions and on this day I meditated on visualizing myself on stage giving a TED Talk. I’ve spoken about manifestation before, and I’ll touch on it again here briefly: Create a compelling vision of what you want and spend time intentionally in that energy every day. AND, take concrete steps towards calling in your dream.
I resisted the urge to treat myself to something sweet and delicious from Gold Leaf Pastries and instead went to Bulk Barn. Did you know that you get 15% off on Sundays for bringing your own jars? I stocked up on everything I need to make my own granola. Think organic oats, rye flakes, dried sour cherries, goji berries, walnuts, coconut oil and local honey. So good!
Digital Detox Plan Strike 5 & 6
In order to collect my online grocery shopping I had to log into my PC Express App and check in to my parking stall. Strike 5. There were no substitutions in my cart and I quickly loaded everything into my cooler. I was feeling a bit hungry and needed to pee so I popped over to the Tim Hortons and grabbed a small London Fog, and I used my rewards app to get the points. Strike 6.
Back at home Johnny was delighted to see me. It doesn’t matter if I’ve been gone 10 minutes or 10 hours he is always ecstatic to see me. He comes out of his crate with his tail wagging so furiously that his entire body wiggles. I fed him and then we cuddled in the swing chair on the deck reading my book until the sun disappeared and it became too chilly to sit out. He willingly obliged with my suggestion we relocate to the couch and we cuddled some more while I enjoyed my PC pizza and a glass of kombucha from Tap Root Ferments, a lovely local business. I managed to finish my book and went to sleep without thoughts whirring in my head.
The Results of My Digital Detox
When I got up the next day I felt much calmer and more clear headed than before my break. So far as I know nothing happened in the world that would have been made any different by my presence on social media, and I certainly didn’t feel like I missed out on anything. Although I used technology 6 times more than I had intended, that was a whole lot less than I would normally use my phone in a day. I honestly didn’t experience any negative effects from my 24 hour detox, and I felt significantly better.
Should I Do a Digital Detox?
Yes, you should definitely explore a digital detox. I highly recommend that you try going 24 hours without tech and give your central nervous system a rest. If you’d like some guidance and support on how to go about your digital detox, check out my live talk on the Ultimate Digital Detox Plan in the Women’s Spirit Collective.
DIY detox not for you? Join me in person for a spring refresh retreat from April 19-21 and I’ll be right by your side.