Summer is the time for love, the time for friends and adventure, as Françoise Hardy said. A time to enjoy life—the one, the only, the real thing—far from social media and your inbox. Taking care of yourself means, above all, letting go of your addictions, like your smartphone. A short digital detox guide to finally find your freedom.
Do you feel like you're constantly racing against time? Do you feel like you no longer have enough time to exercise, see your friends, read, or listen to music? Yet you find the time to scroll for hours on social media, get lost on Pinterest, and check your email every five minutes.
Don't worry, you're not alone. On average, French people check their phones at least 26 times a day. If they're aged 18 to 24, that figure doubles to 50 times a day. It's an addiction that stays with you from waking up to bedtime, with 59% of French people checking their smartphones within an hour of waking up, while 23% never forget to take a last look at it just before going to sleep.
How to tackle your digital detox?
You don't impose a detox period on yourself before you've done some self-improvement. This is the time for introspection, the most important period.
Clearly define your goals: less stress, better sleep, painting, seeing friends, reading, exercising, etc. Whatever the reason for this digital detox, you must have it as a goal.
After all, ask yourself why. Why do we spend so much time on our phones? Why do we look at them in such a mechanical, almost unconscious, and totally addictive way? Once you've completed this step, the rest of your digital detox will be a success.
Attack hard: digital fasting.
You know what your heart and body feel, you are determined, it's time for action.
To start your detox off right, we'll take a "OFF" day, without our phones. It will be turned off and we'll be unreachable (warning your friends in advance is allowed). This full day, from sunrise to sunset, marks a break. Symbolically, these 24 hours will do you the world of good once the ordeal is over.
This ritual can even become weekly or monthly.
Clean up your smartphone.
Without fear or nostalgia, force yourself to sort through your apps. Yes, even social media, especially social media. They're time-consuming and not as useful as you might think. You can still check Twitter or Instagram on your computer, but you'll have to wait until you have access to a computer. Little by little, you'll lose the compulsive act of reaching for your phone. It's also important to turn off notifications, sort through your emails, and buy yourself a watch and then an alarm clock.
This digital detox period can last from a week to a month. It's therefore essential to understand that this isn't a trend or a passing fad. It's a necessity for reconnecting with yourself and others. And then there's summer, with its moments spent with friends or family, and sunny vacations. It's the perfect time to take the plunge.
