Why Everyone Should Do an Online Detox

There’s just too much going on. It’s as simple at that.

In this world of distraction, I’ve found that doing an online detox is a useful way in which to reconnect with myself. It’s all about creating the right environment for a healthy body and mind.

Am I good at it? Hell, no. I lapse. But I know trying it out is for the best.

For a while now I’ve been doing a “normal” physical detox twice a year.

This involves stripping out a lot of the bad stuff I eat and drink from my diet, and this lasts for up to a month. I always feel better after I’ve done one.

But more recently I’ve added an online element to my process. I have to allow myself email (bills’ gotta get paid), though I do limit how often I check my inbox.

But it’s goodbye X (the hell hole formerly known as Twitter), Facebook, YouTube and Instagram for 2–3 weeks at a time. And it’s hello to me listening to me.

It’s just too easy to graze on poor quality content.

I’ve lost years of my life trawling through Facebook without being able to tell you afterwards what I’ve read. I’ve ploughed through social media without getting an ounce of insight, inspiration or joy.

And we all kind of know that there’s a lot of bad that can come from social media overload.

I sometimes get a “bloated” sort of feeling, a real numbed head, after trying to absorb so much random crap. Add to that the assault from lowest common denominator TV viewing, it’s easy to see why you get to feel worse about yourself and the world.

It doesn’t have to last weeks; it can simply be an unplugged weekend.

It’s amazing how different it makes me feel. Less clutter, less negative energy.

It’s funny how spending more time in the real world can actually be uplifting. I even chat with friends. Fewer conversations by fingertips, more through use of my voice.

I’m not saying it’s easy. Starting the online detox can be hard. I get anxious for a day or two. But after a while I relax into silence. It’s quite liberating.

And it’s only when I go back onto Facebook after the period away that I realize how little I have actually missed.

The exercise is always temporary. It has to be. It’s not always practical, particularly if your life and livelihood is online. And living abroad, I doubt that I’ll completely come off. It’s a way to stay connected with people you can only ever catch up with once a year at best.

And the internet in general is a wonderful thing.

But I also need to appreciate that it’s meant to be the servant and not the master in the relationship. The detox reminds me of such.