Explore our Digital Detox collection and discover ways to break from your screen.
Let’s be real. It’s been a tough year for our mental health. We all had big ambitions at the start only for them to be torpedoed by an invisible foe. But humanity has shown once again why adaptability is one of our strongest traits. No matter what life throws at us, we manage to find a way through. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t take its toll. And there’s no doubt that our mental health is taking a hit for our physical health this year.
Even amongst the most reclusive of us, we are undoubtedly social beings. And while we’re fortunate to have technology to satisfy our social needs, it’s just not the same. Having a drink with some friends on a video call just doesn’t have the same social pleasure. Who else misses hugging their friends and family?
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) found that about during the coronavirus pandemic compared to 1 in 9 before the pandemic. They also found that anxiety was the most common way that depression manifests itself which is no surprise considering that even doing the weekly food shop became a stressful experience.
That’s why we’re encouraging a digital detox to give your mental health a much-needed respite. While we’re aware that this isn’t available for everyone – those living alone need technology to connect with others – a digital detox will give your mind the space to breathe, to reflect and to process things going on in your life.
When you do need screen time, it’s good to be wary about the time spent because it can add up very quickly. Just two hours a day on your phone amounts to over 30 days in a year! We really have become slaves to our phones checking every notification for that tiny hit of dopamine. If you do need help limiting your screen time, there are apps out there that can help you with that.
Pleasure can be had in much simpler, and often, more enjoyable ways from exercising to puzzles that keep your brain active. It’s also beneficial to be mindful of the small pleasures in life, especially when out on walks as there’s so much to appreciate from fresh air in your lungs to the sound of leaves under our feet. If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s to slow down and go back to basics. Think back to what you were doing in 2000 and what daily life was like then and in the 1990s.
Things to do for your digital detox
- Make your bedroom a tech-free zone and prioritise sleep
- Practice mindfulness – take a moment to enjoy five deep breaths, meditate, practice yoga or simply have a cup of coffee in a sunny, peaceful spot
- Ensure lunch breaks are away from screens (including phones)
- Turn off notifications
- Adopt ‘one screen rule’ – that means no playing your phone while the TV is on
- Give yourself a daily screen time allowance
- Go outside, enjoy some vitamin D and fresh air
- Indulge in creative hobbies such as painting, singing, writing and many more
- Rekindle your love of cooking with fresh produce
- Read the novel that’s been sitting on your shelf
- Learn to play an instrument