This will be the second year where I’m going on a digital hiatus. Hubby and I are heading away for a few days for some much needed rest and relaxation, and this is also the time when we both decide to cut down on being digitally connected. We don’t cut off completely, but we designate specific times when we can check emails and social media, and we still take phone calls and text messages, you know, the ‘traditional’ means of communication via mobile phone. The outcome of going on digital hiatus was that hubby and I were able to spend quality time together and reconnect with each other, not to mention reset our bodies and minds. It’s amazing how connected we are with the world, that disconnecting has some enjoyable benefits, like having a conversation at the dinner table,
I thought I’d share some tips on how to go on a digital hiatus. It’s not an exhaustive list, but the essential ones that helped plan last year’s digital hiatus.
- Turn off ALL notifications: probably the most important tip of them all. Turn them off. Just hit that button in your mobile phone settings, and switch it off. Don’t even bother picking and choosing which notifications your receive… just TURN IT OFF! How many times have you dropped everything to answer that message on Facebook or reply to a comment on Instagram? Notifications are distractions and really a nuisance, so cut that out!
- Turn off your WiFi and data connection on your phone: most smartphones are capable of receiving just the basic phone calls and text messages. If you need that extra help with switching off, then turn off your wifi and data connections. This way, you won’t connect to free wifi when you’re out and about, and there’s no chance in hell that you’ll get any social media/email notifications with your data connection completely off.
- Let family and friends know when you’re available and alternative means of communication (if applicable): we still took phone calls and text messages on our last digital hiatus, but if you want to go completely incognito, let family and friends know when to contact you and any alternative means of contacting you, such as the number of your hotel, or letting them know that your phone will be off at certain periods of the day.
- Let your internet community know that you’re on a break: announce it on your blog, put your online store in holiday mode, and post a simple message on your social media feeds that you’re going on a digital hiatus. It doesn’t have to detail where you’re going to be, but at least inform them about your break, so it sets their expectations of when you’ll return.
- Plan activities to fill up that time you would’ve spent on your phone or computer: if you’re anything like me, I spend a lot of time reading blogs and social media feeds. I feel like my life is the internet that sometimes I forget what life was like when I wasn’t glued to my phone. I made the mistake of not planning enough to do when we were away, that I ended up spending money on unnecessary things (like more sketchbooks and art materials that I already had at home). This year, I’m taking with me a small amount of materials/resources that fuel my interests. I’m taking a small sketching kit, at least two trashy novels, some stationery to write letters, and more reading material to prepare for the baby.
What are you doing these holidays to disconnect from the world? What do you hope it will bring for you?
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:
From December 28 until January 6, I’ll be periodically answering emails and comments on my blog, social media feeds (Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest), and Etsy store. My Etsy store will continue to be open over this period, but please be patient if I don’t get to you query straight away, or amend any printables. Enjoy the New Year festivities and see you all in a few days :)
dq
Lara says
I love this! Actually, in the month of January, I am going to pick one day a week that I do not engage in any social media. EEKS! Lara
Dee says
Let me know how you go, Lara :) I’m always interested in seeing how people handle the digital diet lol