Reclaim Your Time and Peace of Mind : a Digital Detox

Brenna Yantorno
May 23, 2024
4 min read

A digital detox is a simple yet powerful way to reclaim your time, improve your mental health, and find peace in a hyper-connected world. By stepping back from screens, you open up space for real-life connections and meaningful experiences.

So why not step back in time? When we didn't have a portable micro sized computer in our hands 24/7. Embrace the joy of disconnecting and discover the serenity that comes with it.

Your mind and spirit will thank you.

We live in a world where we’re constantly connected.

Our phones beep with notifications (the best thing I ever did was TURN THEM ALL OFF) , emails flood our inboxes, and social media is just a tap away. Ever just sit there on TikTok and next thing you know its an hour later guilty. While technology brings many benefits, it can also leave us feeling overwhelmed and drained.

--->Enter the digital detox – a travel back in time to your youth playful, refreshing break from screens that can help you reclaim your time and peace of mind.

Ready to explore how stepping away from the digital world can rejuvenate your life??

Close your eyes, think about the last time you had a whole day without checking your phone or computer.

Did your heart just drop?

Can’t even remember a time?

Breathe easy bestie - You're not alone. The average American person spends hours a day glued to their devices, which can lead to information overload and stress. (* GOOD NEWS * the amount of time spent on social media is decreasing!) Notifications constantly demand our attention, making it hard to focus on the present moment and enjoy the simple things in life.

A digital detox is like a breath of fresh air for your mind. It’s a chance to disconnect from the digital noise and reconnect with yourself and the world around you. Without the constant barrage of information, you can think more clearly, feel more relaxed, and enjoy a sense of calm that’s often missing in our tech-driven lives.

One of the most delightful benefits of a digital detox is how much time you gain. Without screens to distract you, you’ll be amazed at how much more you can do. Read that book you’ve been meaning to start, take a long walk in nature, try to paint furniture, cook a meal & simply spend quality time with your partner. When you’re not constantly checking your phone, you can fully engage in these activities and truly savor the moment.

Constant connectivity can take a toll on your mental health. Social media, in particular, can lead to feelings of inadequacy, imposter syndrome, depression and anxiety as we compare our lives to others.

A digital detox helps break this cycle. By stepping away from the screen, you give your mind a chance to rest and reset.

This can lead to improved mood, reduced stress, and a greater sense of wellbeing.

Screens before bed can interfere with your sleep patterns. The blue light emitted by phones and computers can disrupt your circadian rhythm (writing about that now makes me think how I've been surviving on "dark" mode vs actually wearing the glasses is not helping obviously), making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. During your digital detox, establish a screen-free bedtime routine. Read a book, meditate, or listen to calming music instead. You’ll likely find that you sleep better and wake up feeling more refreshed. If you are a tv before bed person; go to bed an hour earlier to watch your show and then screen time off. Be sure to get 8+ hours of sleep a night to be sure to enter your NREM state of sleep and allow the body relaxes fully and repairs itself.

Quick Moment of Vulnerability from Your Author------>

We share the bed with our two dogs Sawyer + Sora. I sleep like sh!t the majority of the time.

This is why I find meditation and mindfulness practices so impactful in maintaining our overall wellness. Whenever I have opportunity to travel for work, vacation or yoga retreats, I act fast in securing that sure-thing of a goodnights sleep and subconscious clarity.

Have you ever wondered how it would feel to truly unplug and be present in every moment?

Imagine the freedom of no notifications, no distractions, just pure, unfiltered living. #slowliving #mindfulliving #minimalism This is your chance to reclaim your peace of mind and rediscover the joy in the simple life with offline activities.

Tips for a Successful Digital Detox

Set Boundaries: Choose specific times to check your devices and stick to them. We use dry erase paper all throughout the house and an egg timer as reminders as to limit the amount of time even holding electronics.
Create Tech-Free Zones: Designate areas in your home where screens are off-limits, like the dining room or bedroom.

my husband is a IT Engineer + avid gamer and I've now taken to blogging, we will have times scheduled on the dry erase paper to be tech-free each day.

Engage in Offline Activities:
Hiking Trails in Litchfield County, CT: Connect with nature and get grounded by exploring local hiking trails. Here are some of our favorite trails that we frequent together for mindful movement in Litchfield County, Ct.

White Memorial Conservation Center: Offers a variety of trails through beautiful forests and wetlands.
Kent Falls State Park: Features a scenic waterfall and several hiking paths.
Steep Rock Preserve: Provides trails with stunning views of the Shepaug River and surrounding cliffs.

Junk Journaling: Dive into the creative world of junk journaling, where you can repurpose old papers, photos, and memorabilia to create personalized journals. This mindful activity allows you to express yourself artistically while reflecting on your thoughts and experiences. Share your creations using #junkjournal to connect with a community of fellow enthusiasts.
Stay Mindful: Pay attention to how you feel without constant digital stimulation. Enjoy the peace and focus it brings.

Embrace the joy of disconnecting and discover the serenity that comes with it.

The ultimate goal in our energic life is detachment.

Moksha is freedom from ignorance: self-realization, self-actualization and self-knowledge. Central to Indian Yogic and Hindu philosophy

xoxox

Namaste besties

See you on the next one