Have you ever done a Digital Detox?

How was your July? Splendid, I hope!

Along with my yearly trip to Vegan Summerfest, our family enjoyed time in DC (including the new African American Museum, where I just had to join in the Step Dance fun), and a sweet visit with my dad in Florida who in April was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. 😭

When we got home, I did an enlightening two-week Digital Detox. That meant no screens. At all. So, I didn't use my phone, computer, iPad, or even Netflix.

Have you ever done a Digital Detox?

For the first few days, I had the stomach flu for the first time ever. You know how they say the more toxic you are, the worse you feel the first few days of a detox? I guess I was pretty digitally toxic! It was a good way to make sure I got lots of sleep though. I even allowed myself to enjoy reading some of Olivia's middle-grade fiction. There are some great books out there!

After I got over the flu, I spent tons of time in our veganic garden, hanging out with Olivia, lounging at our gorgeous Yuba River, and crossing off my list of house projects. I didn't actually do any of them, I just crossed them off the list. Just kidding! 

YES to renewal and accomplishment!

One of the most surprising things I learned from the Digital Detox was how much time there is in a day when I'm detached from screens! If you ever want to find more time in your day, step away from the screen and prepare to be amazed.

In the mornings, David and I went on light hikes in our neighborhood, had several great conversations with our neighbors, discovered changes in the scenery and other projects happening on our block, and saw lots of deer (it's fawn season here in the California foothills).

I experienced better sleep, less irritability, and felt more productive. The most shocking realization I had was that I had been feeling like real life was an interruption to my digital life. 

Now that I'm back online, my challenge will be to adhere to supportive boundaries I've created to make sure I don't slip back into time-wasting activities and being swallowed up by the black hole of "research" and social media.

I had so many new insights that I'm sure I'll be reflecting on this for weeks to come.

How is your relationship to screens?

• Do you feel like you have a handle on it or is it more out of control for you?
• Do you ebb and flow with it?
• How could you make your online time beneficial without taking over your life?
• Would it be helpful to live more of your life offline?

As always, I'm here to help!

If you've ever done a Digital Detox, I'd love to hear about your experience. Please share in the comments below.

With love,