Digital Detox for Midlife: Three Easy Steps to Recovering Balance in Hyper-connected World
Separating technology from our lives in the digital age we live in is next to impossible. Yes, it has many advantages (more than less); however, if you are not mindful, we can become digitally overwhelmed and fatigued, and not to forget, get caught in an endless sense of being plugged in. For those like me in their midlives, finding balance in the hyper-connected world is essential for our overall well-being.
Last night I was on my phone for two hours at a stretch (which is unlike me, really!), looking for a suitable paying guest/hostel for my daughter who has just got into the University, which is at the other end of our house — about 40 km away! I later wondered: was my endless browsing something I could have done the next day? At a better time? With a fresh mind? And while taking adequate breaks? Yes, it is an important task — the number one on my ‘mental’ to-do list, but surfing the Internet from 10 pm to 12 am! Was it of any help? Of course not! Hence, this story. I hope as I explore my digital footprint and work toward making it better, it can be of help to you as well.
Here are the three steps to reclaim a healthier, more balanced relationship with technology.
STEP 1: Assessing Your Digital Footprint
Conduct a self-assessment of your digital habits, including screen time, social media use, and online entertainment.
What is your screen time like? Do you pay heed to the screen time notifications that you receive? I usually just glance through it.
Do you use social media mindlessly? I ‘sometimes’ do. It is never-ending, the doom scrolling, but how much of it do you daily? Is the information of any use to you?
It is about time that you identify areas where you feel technology is negatively impacting your midlife experience of reviving and thriving.
Let’s reclaim time for meaningful activities.
STEP 2: Creating a Personalized Digital Detox Plan:
1) Design a plan that suits your unique needs, considering work commitments, family responsibilities, and personal interests. For me, I just want to do something ‘meaningful’ and feel wonderful by the end of the day, when I reflect on how my overall day was spent.
2) Curate your online connections. Review and declutter your digital life by unfollowing accounts that no longer serve you and unsubscribe from irrelevant emails. Go through all the apps that you have downloaded on your phone. do you need them all? are they necessary?
3) Establish tech-free zones. Tech-free zones and times are when you decide specific areas or time when technology is off-limits. It could be during meals (I try doing this; it feels strange as I am usually alone while eating and it seems just ‘weird’) or before sleeping. Think — does being on the phone really have to be the last thing before you call it a day?
STEP 3: Measuring Progress and Staying Accountable
As ironical as it may sound, the best way to track your progress on digital detox is by using the digital apps! When you set a timer for each app (I have 10 minutes for Instagram), obey it! Avoid the ‘just one more minute’ mindset! Likewise, do the same for all the other apps that you know are not anyway providing any useful information.
Practice mindful engagement with technology, such as setting intentions for social media use and limiting unnecessary notifications.
Digital detox in midlife is a great way to restore balance in an increasingly connected world. By mindfully evaluating and managing our digital footprint, we can reclaim our time, enhance our well-being, and create space for meaningful offline experiences.
Rediscover the joy of analog pursuits, such as reading physical books, engaging in hobbies, or spending time in nature.
We do not have to disconnect completely but to find a healthy balance that allows technology to enhance, not dominate, our midlife journey.
