Motivational Monday: Digital Detox

14 May

Hey there and happy Monday!!! Feels like this one came around really fast.  Before we get started today i just wanted to take a second to wish the most beautiful woman in the world a happy birthday.  That lovely lady is my Mom! She is the best and I love her to pieces!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today’s motivational Monday is a real gem. Why is that? Well today I’m talking about a new diet!  And it’s one you probably haven’t heard of yet.  It’s called the Digital Detox Diet.

Yep that’s right…forget about carbs and protein, it’s time to slim down your screen time.

In today’s society we always seem to be connected.  We’re constantly checking and updating facebook, looking through countless emails, or playing games while waiting for public transport.  And to be honest, it’s really not necessary.  I personally do not have a smarty pants phone and I’m thankful for it.

I’m not denying that the technology is awesome and super fun at times. That’s a given! But I do believe it is starting to consume us.  So today I’m posing a challenge for you: a digital detox!  Cutting down your screen time is simple and will only be beneficial to your health. Here are a few ways to get started:

  • Make a commitment to shut down your computer at a given time each day.
  • Avoid checking email incessantly.  Check it once at 12pm and once at 4pm to save time and maximise responses.
  • Instead of playing games on your phone, read a book.
  • Avoid time wasting machines and social media: facebook, twitter, pinterest, etc.  Use that time to go outside for a run, or cook a meal to share with loved ones.
  • Turn off your TV, get your family together and play a board game.
  • Turn off your phone at night.
  • Choose one day on the weekend to totally unplug and avoid all technology.
I know what you’re thinking ‘This girl is crazy!!! I can’t live without my iPhone!!!’.  Well the truth is you can and you should. This need to be constantly connected is something we created, but is not necessary.  There was a time when phones, email, and social media just didn’t exist, and we all managed just fine.
I think this is one fad diet that could do us more good than harm…so why not jump on the bandwagon and unplug for a while?
How will you cut back on technology this week?
What will you do with your time instead?

23 Responses to “Motivational Monday: Digital Detox”

  1. Happy Runner May 14, 2012 at 6:15 pm #

    I started to take at least one digital-free weekend day. It feels good! :)

  2. Alexandra May 14, 2012 at 9:18 pm #

    Love this! I like stepping away from technology every so often too– it’s always a nice chance to recharge :)

  3. WhitLikesFit May 15, 2012 at 2:30 am #

    Love this. I wish I could step away from technology more. Except I work in digital so I’m always connected. Although this weekend I only opened my computer once. I spent the rest of my downtime reading (even though it was on an ipad).

    • thehealthyfitdiva May 15, 2012 at 4:52 pm #

      That’s awesome… What book are you reading atm?

      • WhitLikesFit May 16, 2012 at 3:49 am #

        I’m reading the hunger games trilogy. I’m seriously obsessed with it.

      • thehealthyfitdiva May 16, 2012 at 3:55 pm #

        oh I really want to read to get into those!

      • WhitLikesFit May 17, 2012 at 3:25 am #

        You will be hooked! Make sure you have plenty of time to dedicate to reading them.

  4. oolalang May 15, 2012 at 2:36 am #

    This is a great idea! There are so many antagonistic things online (Facebook, I’m looking at you!) that sometimes that the more time you spend, the more unpleasant things you see, and the higher your cortisol levels get.

    • thehealthyfitdiva May 15, 2012 at 4:53 pm #

      Gotta keep that cortisol in check! Keep our immune systems safe and happy :) I hope you find some peace during your time away from tech!

  5. andrea drugay May 15, 2012 at 8:00 am #

    Excellent reminder! Thanks! :-D

  6. cottercrunch May 15, 2012 at 8:54 pm #

    best detox idea ever!

  7. Anna @ The Guiltless Life May 18, 2012 at 4:18 am #

    This is so important! When I was on a trip back home I didn’t have roaming on my phone so I was barely ever on it or on my computer. It was bliss. Then of course with my eye surgery I couldn’t SEE the computer haha so I had a total turn off then – and it leaves you so refreshed! And realizing just how much of your life you wasted on it before! I think we all need to do this on a regular basis :)

  8. yesone May 18, 2012 at 11:08 am #

    We definitely agree! There are a ton of studies to support the need to unplug. Kids especially are getting addicted to games, but really everyone could use a digital detox now and then. Find more resources on this topic on our blog.

  9. Shira May 18, 2012 at 3:21 pm #

    This is fabulous Sarah! I am a bog fan of just turning the devices OFF for a period of time. It is so hard to not check them, and I find once they are off I don’t feel ‘like all that stuff is happening’ in the same way. Great post, and great points! I totally agree :) ! I am headed for some digital detox this weekend….it’s going to be sweet!

  10. GPPNeil May 18, 2012 at 3:41 pm #

    Love this post. First timer here. Found you through Janetha’s blog. I only check msgs/emails/facebook/website 2x per day. Rough to do at first. But, I’m actually way more productive. Focused too. Thanks for this.

    • thehealthyfitdiva May 18, 2012 at 7:52 pm #

      Hey Neil! Thanks for stopping by…seeing Janetha’s participation in GPP fitness has motivated me to go find something similar in my area. I really enjoy the short intense workouts. P.S. loved your 3 tips the other week :)

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. Reaching Out « L.E.G.A.C.Y. - June 21, 2012

    [...] Motivational Monday: Digital Detox (the-healthy-diva.com) [...]

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