Breakup With The Internet; It’s Time For A Digital Detox
February 2023 | Written by Suni Crane
Please…I’m begging you to dump the green juice detox and take the digital detox we all desperately need. Whether you’re facing social media fatigue or you straight up want to throw your phone out the window, we get it. Let’s stop ourselves before slipping into the “chronically online” phase where people become so closely engaged with online culture that it’s their entire personality. *side eye*
Set Up Screen Time On Your iPhone
A healthy limit for daily screen time is about two hours (which still sounds like a lot!). To set up a screen time limit on your phone, simply go to settings > screen time > app limits, then set a two-hour per day time limit. This program allows you to choose the exact apps you’d like to limit, so no matter your concern, a limit can be set. We know how easy it can be to hit the ignore button but trust me, stay strong long enough to form the habit and you’ll feel a difference in no time.
“You deserve a calming, rejuvenating morning and nighttime routine, so give yourself the uninterrupted time you deserve.”
No Screen Time One Hour After Waking Or While In Bed
You deserve a calming, rejuvenating morning and nighttime routine, so give yourself the uninterrupted time you deserve. We know how tempting it can be to grab your phone as you wake up to check the time and maybe scroll a bit, but unfortunately, this small habit can fill your day with high cortisol levels, anxiety and even set your brain up to be easily distracted.
Follow The Grocery Store Rule
The grocery store rule revolves around the idea that you should unfollow anyone you wouldn’t want to say “hi” to in the grocery store. Believe me, we know it feels a little off to mass unfollow and go cold turkey, so a softer way to refine your feed is to mute their stories and posts.
Remove The Negative
Unfollow anyone that makes you feel bad about yourself or simply gives off negative energy. Another energy drainer you may not realize affects you is reading negative comments. Whether on your post or someone else’s, negativity has no place on your phone. And NEVER leave a negative comment…honestly, maybe just stay out of the comment sections altogether; it can be a pretty ruthless place.
Only Follow Positive Creators
To piggyback on the above, only follow creators and consume content that makes you feel happy, confident and energized. At times this content could be a guilty pleasure, but in reality, the creator exclusively complaining about life is not a necessary follow. Also, let’s not partake in any social media rabbit holes that strip you of your positive energy and bring stress into your life. We are stressed enough as it is; don’t put yourself in the middle of a bunch of people screaming false information.
“Only follow creators and consume content that makes you feel happy, confident and energized.”
Turn Off All Social Media Notifications
This tip is pretty self-explanatory but well worth it. Social apps tend to bombard our notifications with useless information that we can live without. You deserve to get on your phone without the entire lock screen being filled with notifications. Trust me, once you turn them off, you’ll never go back.
Take Care Of Your Mind And Body
Replace excessive phone usage with self care. Instead of spending countless hours aimlessly scrolling, spend your time wisely and journal or go outside for fresh air. Playing a little music and going on a walk around your neighborhood can be such a big help in reducing stress. If it’s too chilly out, stay in, put a face mask on and spend time curled up with a good book or journal.
Change can be hard, but we can’t grow without it! Creating new habits can be a lot, but when have you ever felt bad after taking care of yourself? Having an accountability partner can be a fun way to stick to resolutions. Grab a friend and map out your new routines; keep each other in line by holding one another accountable as you form new healthy digital-habits together.
