What should I avoid during a digital detox?
Written by
Gina Mason
Reviewed by
Prof. Graham Pierce, Ph.D.Being aware of what not to do in your digital detox is vital to ensuring the mental reset with maximum impact. Certain habits and platforms strangle any effort to disconnect. I learned this through trial and error in my detox coaching. By purposefully excluding some things, you create the mental space needed for true rejuvenation.
Digital Distractions
- All non-essential notifications across devices
- Social media platforms and news feeds
- Recreational streaming services
Work Boundaries
- Non-urgent work communications
- Email checking outside scheduled windows
- Professional social media browsing
Entertainment screens nearly fully negate detox effects. Streaming takes the mind into a state of consumption/cognitive modes. Passively watching is like scrolling mentally. Reading physical books provides a much richer experience. My clients report that they gain significantly more satisfaction from reading actual pages.
Professional communication requires firm containment. Only check email during designated work windows. Be explicit about your availability limits with colleagues. I set up autoresponders explaining my limited availability for check-ins. This preserves professional responsibility while guarding your mental space.
An increase in compulsive device checking becomes apparent during the detoxification process. Avoid automatically reaching for your device at these times. It is advisable to leave the devices in another room during periods when they are not in use. The simple act of overcoming this barrier creates awareness. As a result, your brain habituates away from the compulsive checking behaviors that developed.
Read the full article: Digital Detox Benefits to Transform Your Life
