7 ESSENTIAL STEPS TO ENJOY A DIGITAL DETOX TRIP
1) Become aware of the “digital distractions”
The first thing needed to trigger a true detox is to become aware of the level of “attachment” to digital devices (cell phone, smartwatch, iPad ...), using a notebook of “digital distractions”, to note the times during the day you are online, or use apps that monitor user behavior. Some research has found that people who are highly digitally dependent may check their smartphone screens more than 5,000 times a day. Young people in the age group 18-24 years are those who consult the smartphone
more and among many of them is widespread the phenomenon of “vamping” or stay up until dawn glued to tablets or smartphones to chat, play with others, peek at social networks.
2) Perceive the need for change
The smartphone is the first object that we use within five minutes of waking up, replacing what was once considered good morning coffee and also the last thing we put away before falling asleep. If you find that you are leading an “onlife”, it is important to understand how strong the desire for change and the desire to detoxify is.
3) Identify the right period
Identify the right period in which you plan to embark on a “techno-free” journey. This choice is challenging from a psychological point of view especially for those who have a strong connection with digital (e.g. nomophobia also known as disconnection syndrome). It is appropriate, in view of this period, to activate a process of slow and gradual distancing from technologi
cal devices, even with breaks of 15-20 minutes in which you turn off and try to feel the anxiety or some other unpleasant emotion that you experience.
4) Carefully prepare for departure
Before embarking on your vacation, it is necessary to: manage all tasks to avoid leaving with anxiety; use “autoresponders” so as not to be rude or uncaring to those who will be looking for you; notify you of the departure and the techno-free type of travel to reduce digital “incursions” by friends and family.
5) Plan the most appropriate activities to do during the trip
Plan occupations and goals to be achieved that have a good balance between activity and rest, moments of silence and immersion in the sounds, with the help of coaches, psychologists, holistic wellness operators, now present in many accommodation facilities. You can take mindful walks relying on the sounds of nature and exercises in the name of digital mindfulness. Meditation and mindfulness can be done easily and anywhere.
Read or do manual work such as cooking, painting, cultivating the earth... that allow you to tap into your most creative childlike side, freeing your emotions. Try to restore sleep-wake rhythms and have a more balanced relationship with food. Carry out group activities or small seminars organized under the banner of regeneration of body and mind, taking advantage of the support of a conductor.
6) Returning from the trip treating ourselves with love
When you return, you may have a feeling of alienation or feel a little strange or “slowed down”, so you struggle to resume your daily routine. It’s normal for this to happen, but it’s important that you approach your daily life treasuring what you’ve learned so you don’t get caught up in the digital world.
7) Pursue digital minimalism with patience and perseverance
If during the digital detox vacation you have metabolized what you have experienced, you will be able to change the “rhythm of your life”, recognizing when you are overwhelmed by digital stress. Digital minimalism allows you to lead, in a very noisy world marked by many distractions, an existence in which you intentionally reduce the “technological noise”.