I recently sent out an email to our newsletter, which you can join here, about the importance of disconnecting from the internet and giving ourselves a much-needed digital detox. It talked about how to unplug to reconnect.
As digital entrepreneurs and in today's hyper-connected digital world, finding balance and prioritizing our well-being is crucial. Now, some people may argue that balance is more like a dance, an ebb and flow that we'll always be engaged with. But regardless of how you see it, it's essential to pay attention to how much time we spend glued to our screens.
What is a digital detox anyway? It's pretty much what you think it is. For a period of time, you choose to consciously disconnect from your digital devices and technology, with the intention of reducing dependency and restoring a healthier balance on your life. You can think of it as taking a break from activities we now do every single day such as using our smartphones, watching TV, scrolling on social media, playing video games, or any other digital distractions.
The purpose of a digital detox is to create space for mental and emotional rejuvenation, reducing stress, improving focus, and reconnecting with the physical world and personal relationships. During this digital detox, you may want to engage in activities such as spending time in nature and/or with animals (my personal favorite!), reading books, practicing mindfulness, moving your body, or spending face-to-face time with your loved ones.
"Remember, a digital detox is not about completely avoiding technology forever but about finding a healthy balance. By periodically disconnecting, we can recharge, prioritize self-care, and maintain a healthy relationship with the digital world."
So, let's get right into it!
Set Your Intention. First things first, decide how long you want to bid farewell to your gadgets – a few hours, a full day, or maybe even a whole weekend (I was able to do it for almost a full year and although my agency's online presence suffered a lot, I never felt better!). So, whatever floats your boat and tickles your pickle.
Plan Some Offline Fun. Get creative with activities that don't involve staring at a screen. Dust off that book you've been meaning to read, take out your yoga mat for a sweaty session, check out your local farmer's market, visit a nearby museum, or simply hang out with your favorite peeps. Offline adventures are where it's at! Bonus points if you get to book a fun mini vacation!
Draw the Line. Turn off those pesky notifications, put your phone on airplane mode, or lock it away in a drawer (honestly, just thinking about doing this is giving me major anxiety because what if something happens and I am completely disconnected 🥴). However, disconnecting from your devices will give you the freedom to be fully present and avoid unnecessary distractions.
Embrace the Zen Vibes. Once you've unplugged, channel your inner peace and practice mindfulness. Savor every sip of herbal tea or water, focus on your breath, and take a moment to appreciate the beauty around you. Sometimes we really need to be reminded that it can always be worse – I am sure we can all think of at least one thing in our lives we are grateful for. Focus your energy on that. When we observe our surroundings, mindfulness helps cultivate a sense of calm and clarity.
Reflect and Reset. Once you're done with your “digital detox", take a hot second to reflect on the experience. Notice any positive changes in your mood, energy levels, and overall well-being. Use this reflection as an opportunity to reset your relationship with technology and make better choices moving forward.
Remember, a digital detox is not about completely avoiding technology forever but about finding a healthy balance. By periodically disconnecting, we can recharge, prioritize self-care, and maintain a healthy relationship with the digital world.
Obviously I run an online business and the responsibility to ensure that our clients are provided the quality of service plus delivered results is still up to me. Not to mention that social media never sleeps! So, for the sake of our mental health, here's a list of practical resources that can help digital entrepreneurs like you disconnect while keeping your online business running smoothly:
Workflow Automation Platforms:
Zapier: Automates workflows by connecting various apps and services.
IFTTT (If This Then That): Automates tasks by creating applets that trigger actions based on specific conditions.
Integromat: Connects apps and automates processes with advanced features.
Social Media Management Tools:
Later: Helps schedule and manage social media posts across different platforms.
Meta Business Suite: Allows you to plan and visually design your content calendar for Facebook and instagram grid, schedule posts, and track analytics.
Canva: Offers tools for scheduling, designing, and analyzing Instagram posts and stories.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software:
Honeybook: Provides a CRM system tailored for creative entrepreneurs, managing clients, projects, and payments. (Get 25% off through this link, yes, it's an affiliate link.)
Dubsado: Offers a comprehensive CRM solution with features like lead tracking, proposals, contracts, and invoicing.
Project Management Tools:
Asana: Enables teams to manage and collaborate on projects, assign tasks, and track progress.
Trello: Organizes tasks and projects using boards, lists, and cards, making it easy to visualize and manage workflows.
Monday.com: Provides a visual and customizable platform for project management, team collaboration, and task tracking.
Remember to thoroughly explore and assess these resources to ensure they meet your specific needs and preferences. Customizing the list will help you find the most suitable tools for your digital entrepreneurship journey.
Some of these links are affiliated which means I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. But, no worries, I never recommend anything that I haven't tried or love!