First, let\u2019s address the so-called dangers of disconnecting. To some, this is a ludicrous sentence. \u201cWe don\u2019t need technology!\u201d the Luddites cry. But to many students, professionals and entrepreneurs, this statement is downright laughable<\/p>\n
Think about these scenarios:<\/p>\n
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- A student who can\u2019t afford to miss out on emails from his project group, and needs to respond that evening<\/li>\n
- A project manager who works on tight deadlines in conjunction with many other people<\/li>\n
- A social media manager who needs to maintain a steady flow of content on a client\u2019s behalf<\/li>\n
- A social influencer whose income depends on a certain level of engagement from fans<\/li>\n
- A service provider whose purpose is to help people in crisis, such as a doctor of a small clinic who takes all the nighttime calls, or an emergency tech repairman<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
These are just a few examples. But you can see how the argument might develop that, at least for certain people, it\u2019s never safe to unplug. However, this is where we get into the importance of definitions.<\/p>\n
![\"Distraction](\"https:\/\/focusme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/digital-detox3-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/p>\nDigital Detox Versus Disconnecting<\/strong><\/h3>\n
There’s a big difference between detoxing and disconnecting.<\/p>\n
Detoxing is getting something out of your system. Typically, that means an addictive substance of some sort. Tons of substances are helpful or fun in small doses and dangerous in large ones. Digital intake is no exception to this rule. When you use devices and internet to accomplish work goals or unwind a little, that\u2019s smart and understandable. Using tech compulsively or at the expense of your real goals and duties in life? That starts to look a little more like an addiction.<\/p>\n
Yet who hasn\u2019t been drawn to the dark side of the internet or of apps? We visit websites that waste our time. We spend hours on social media feeds that draw us inexorably into the comparison trap. And some of us give into games and other distractions that don\u2019t enhance our wellbeing, knowledge, family values or relationships.<\/p>\n
This leads many people to the conclusion that disconnection is crucial, though terrifying. After all, disconnecting is nothing short of pulling the plug. Cue the horde waving paperback novels and beach totes, insisting that you should try again in March, thankyouverymuch\u2026but right now it\u2019s time to take a break! This mindset arrives in many forms. There are those who advocate a social media fast, where you don\u2019t touch it for a week. Others won\u2019t even pick up a phone when they travel on vacation.<\/p>\n
Because the idea of detox leads sooner or later to this clownish image of disconnection, many people are afraid to take either step. The truth is, though, that detoxing \u2013 getting the knee-jerk addictive response to technology out of your system \u2013 will do a lot for your health and happiness.<\/p>\n
![\"Distraction](\"https:\/\/focusme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/digital-detox2-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/h3>\nWhere to Begin Your Detox<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Now\u2019s where we get to the hard part, since so many people are leery of the idea of detox. Understandably so, since for most people who work or attend school, swearing off the digi-verse is flatly impossible. Nevertheless, that doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s a good idea to give yourself unfettered access to social media apps, news sites, games or even your email inbox. Depending on who you are and what you do, each one of these healthy-in-moderation apps can become destructive.<\/p>\n
The first step is to identify where your struggle lies. A lot of people suffer most when studying. It requires discipline to immerse yourself in reading and note-taking without turning to the internet for an easy distraction. On the sliding scale of challenges, however, this one is toward the easy end. When you don\u2019t need access to the internet, you can just turn your devices off, leave them in the other room or use a site blocker for studying.<\/p>\n
However, then it\u2019s time to write papers, or submit work electronically, or engage in a discussion room chat for your political science class. In that case, you have to log onto the web, and your time management challenges begin to mount. In this case, the customization powers of a website blocker really shine. You can use it to lock certain sites and apps, while allowing free access to others.<\/p>\n
Next, whether or not you\u2019re a student, this tip applies to you: Address your email habits. If you\u2019re an entrepreneur or student working on a big project, you likely need unfettered access to your email. However, there are times that you don\u2019t, such as when you\u2019re on vacation and don\u2019t have to log in, or in the evenings. Sometimes, if you\u2019re trying to get deep work done in the office, it\u2019s helpful to block access to your inbox as well to maximize your time management<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Pro Tip: Let everyone else know you\u2019ll be unavailable on that channel for a few hours. Explain that they can email you and you\u2019ll get back to it as soon as you can.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n
Other people find they most need to block apps when they\u2019re at home having family time. The temptation to turn to a phone or tablet, even though the kiddos are finally home and dinner needs making, can still be strong. No one is saying you can\u2019t control yourself otherwise. However, blocking apps can lead to a certain feeling of \u201cahhhh\u201d that releases you from the need to exert all that energy-draining willpower.<\/p>\n
And everyone needs to block certain apps at certain times of day \u2026 or at least stay away from them. Does it really help you to check Facebook or Instagram while you get work done? Must you really troll the news obsessively while you\u2019re supposed to be having family time? Some sites and apps really don\u2019t need to be engaged with for more than a few minutes a day. So, take a hard look at that for yourself.<\/p>\n
When Other People Are Involved<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Of course, your personal use is the easiest to moderate. When other people are involved, it becomes harder to determine the right course of action.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re getting a website blocker for a child, the question becomes: What should I allow, and what should be off-limits? Should you discuss the choices with them, and create a schedule in tandem? Or should you make it for them, and lift restrictions on certain apps at certain times, or as a reward for certain behaviors? A lot of this depends on parental preference and the age of your child. Are you considering an app lock as a result of previous poor behavior? You might take a more authoritarian approach than if you\u2019re simply installing it as a preemptive distraction blocker.<\/p>\n
Other questions arise if you\u2019re an entrepreneur who employs others. It\u2019s one thing to install a time management app on your own devices, but it\u2019s another to control your employees\u2019 time. You might decide to install time management or productivity apps on company devices. If so, make sure you explain your reasoning to employees in full. Otherwise, you just look like Big Brother.<\/p>\n
Get Some Help, Distraction Blocker Style<\/strong><\/h3>\n
So do we think you can detox without running the dangers of total disconnect? Yes, yes, we do. And no matter what experience you\u2019re looking for, be it a slower pace of life or a complete overhaul of your digital approach, we think you\u2019ll find a distraction blocker can prove a handy tool in the kit. Maybe you just need a few less distractions while you do your deep work? Then a productivity app can help you screen out interruptions and schedule the breaks that keep you fueled.<\/p>\n
Some people assume a distraction blocker will be nothing but a nuisance. They typically find that\u2019s not the case once they try it. Instead, blocking specific apps or sites gives you the freedom to sit down at your computer knowing you won\u2019t get distracted. Use the built-in break scheduler, and you\u2019ll be prompted to tear yourself away from your device, even when you\u2019re immersed and might ordinarily miss that break. The result? A more balanced use of your devices overall.<\/p>\n
Distraction Blocker Pop Quiz:<\/b><\/h3>\n