Lockdown measures have left millions of us at home and in need of stimulation. And where else do we tend to seek stimulation these days than on the internet? The internet is as complex and multifaceted as the world itself and is bursting at the seams with content, both written and visual, that can entertain and inform us for centuries to come. But when does it all get too much? We are so used to being plugged into the digital universe that we sometimes disconnect from real life or simply feel overwhelmed with the non-stop flow of content. If you feel this way, it might be time for a digital detox. A digital detox is an act of deliberately reducing or stopping your use of the internet. While it might seem extreme, more and more people feel the need to do this, especially in light of the 24-hour COVID-19 news feed. If you are looking to cleanse yourself from the digital world, here are a few tips:

1. Choose your feeds: The average person is plugged into the internet from a variety of sources such as various social media platforms, messaging apps, multiple visits to many websites, and so on. This can make it rather difficult to engage in a digital detox and this is why you need to choose the internet feeds that are most important to you. For example, you might want to get a daily news alert about COVID-19 statistics in your area but don’t need to refresh Twitter multiple times a day. Decide on what internet feeds you want to keep and disconnect from the rest. Disconnecting can involve deleting or logging out of apps, setting data use restrictions on your phone, or blocking websites. 

2. Set closing times: While the internet is a 24-hour affair, it does not mean that we need to be on the internet every waking moment. An effective tool is to decide on an internet closing time- an hour of the day at which you stop all internet use. This could be an hour before you sleep or by dinner time. Switch your phone to flight mode or simply put it down once this time comes and savour your silence. 

3. Tell your friends: One of the benefits of the internet is that it allows us to stay connected to our friends and family, no matter where they are. While practising a digital detox, make sure to reach out to them and let them know what you intend to do. This will prevent them from worrying if they do not hear from you for a while and will also inform them to respect your space during the detox. They might even decide to engage in one themselves. 

4. Create internet-free zones: If you find yourself wanting to enjoy more of your real life, you might want to create internet-free zones in your home. These are rooms and spaces where technology is not to be used. Popular options include family rooms or bedrooms. If you are social distancing with other people, suggest the idea to them and if they agree, you can create a tech-free sanctuary in your home.

While the internet has a wealth of benefits, it is a good idea to occasionally plug out and enjoy time away from the digital world. Follow our guide to detaching from the internet today.