Feeling overwhelmed by the constant buzz of notifications? Do you find yourself reaching for your phone first thing in the morning and last thing at night? Have you stopped reading books in favour of reels? Have you caught yourself in an endless doomscroll on your phone?
If so, you’re not alone.
In our 24/7 connected world, it’s easy to feel tethered to our devices. The number of Australian smartphone users is expected to increase by 3.7 million to 23.6 million by 2026. But this constant digital engagement can be taking a toll on our mental and physical health.
That’s where the concept of a digital sabbatical comes in.
A digital sabbatical is a break from technology and the internet, ranging from a few hours to a designated period like a weekend or even a week. It’s a chance to disconnect, de-stress, and reconnect with the real world around you.
The benefits of a digital sabbatical are numerous.
Studies have shown that taking a break from technology can lead to:
Reduced Stress and Anxiety: The constant barrage of information and social media comparisons can be a major source of stress. Disconnecting allows your mind and body to relax and unwind.
Improved Sleep: The blue light emitted by screens can disrupt sleep patterns. A digital detox can help you get a better night’s rest, leaving you feeling more energized throughout the day.
Enhanced Focus and Productivity: When you’re constantly checking your phone, it’s hard to focus on the task at hand. A break from technology can help you improve your concentration and get more done. Studies have shown that smart phones are actually shortening our attention spans.
Increased Creativity: Stepping away from screens can allow your mind to wander and spark new ideas. Being bored helps stimulate our brains into problem solving and sparks the imagination. In other words, daydreaming and letting your mind wander can be good for you!
Stronger Relationships: Our digital habits can sometimes take away from face-to-face interactions. A digital sabbatical can be an opportunity to reconnect with loved ones and even your church community and strengthen your relationships.
Taking a digital sabbatical doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing proposition, you can start by putting it down for a few hours and maybe even build up to a weekend. Or shudder the thought a week, or even a holiday.
Here are some tips for planning your digital escape:
Decide on the duration: Start small if you’re new to the idea. Even a few hours away from your devices can make a difference.
Communicate with your circle: Let your family, friends, and colleagues know you’ll be unreachable for a set period.
Find alternative activities: Plan activities that don’t involve screens, like spending time in nature, reading a book, or engaging in a hobby.
Clean up your home screen: Hard core sabbatical types even go as far as removing social media apps and the things they check all the time on their phones so the temptation is removed. This may be a bridge too far for some, but it’s a way of making sure you aren’t tempted to check the phone.
Use a locked box: Some families have taken to purchasing locked boxes with time limits on them. The practice helps families connect over the dinner table and teenagers focus on tasks at hand. Of course this has to be discussed and intentional. You don’t want your teenager taking a hammer to the box to retrieve the phone!
Resist the temptation to cheat: Leave your phone in another room or put it on airplane mode.
In today’s digital age, taking a break from technology might seem like a radical step. But disconnecting from the virtual world can be a powerful way to reconnect with yourself, the world around you and God.
So, silence the notifications, power down your devices, and give yourself the gift of a digital sabbatical.
Your mind and body will thank you for it.