MICHELLE KEENAN empowers people and organisations to achieve optimal wellbeing by providing customised wellness coaching programmes tailored to their unique needs and goals.
In our hyper-connected world, the constant buzz of notifications, emails, and social media updates can feel overwhelming.
While technology offers incredible convenience, it can also leave us feeling drained, distracted, and disconnected from what truly matters.
The solution is a digital detox. Studies show that excessive screen time is linked to stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.
The compulsive need to check our devices creates a cycle of dopamine hits that keep us hooked, but often leaves us less productive and more fatigued.
A digital detox offers a chance to reset these habits and refocus on the present moment and our life beyond the screen.
As with any change, set yourself up for success by starting small. Choose a designated period, perhaps an evening or a weekend, to unplug.
Replace your usual scrolling with activities that nourish your wellbeing, things such as reading a book, taking a walk, practicing yoga or meditation, or spending quality time with the people who are important to you, without the distraction of devices.
You can regain control of your attention even outside detox periods by turning off push notifications and setting app limits, using the greyscale mode on your devices, and setting your phone to automatically switch into sleep mode at a certain time each night.
Creating “tech-free zones” in your home, like the dining table or bedroom, will encourage more mindful interactions.
The benefits can be profound. Without the constant pull of technology, you may notice improved focus, better sleep, and a greater sense of calm.
Your relationships will benefit too – being more present fosters deeper connections with yourself and others.
A digital detox isn’t about rejecting technology. It’s about using it intentionally.
By stepping back from our screens, we can reclaim not just our time but our mental clarity and our emotional wellbeing, making space for the things that are really important.