Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny.
~Lao Tzu
Two months ago I attempted a digital detox to see the effects. I removed all email from my phone to see if it improved my ability to disconnect and focus with intentionality.
Initially, my stripped down home page alarmed me, I felt like I was missing out. However, after a day I realized how freeing it was to not be so connected to my phone. Time is our greatest commodity and it is important to be mindful of where you allocate your time.
I only keep apps on my Home Screen that I use frequently.
Detoxification involves removing harmful substances from your environment. From my perspective, allowing someone else access to me, on their terms, via email created a feeling of urgency. I keep a clean inbox (personally and professionally) and am quick to respond with closed loop communication.
Email can be triggering.
You can receive good new, bad news, work stress, invitations, etc. all in the same review session. Forcing myself to check email on my terms, from a computer, when I was ready to read, process, respond made me feel empowered. I regained a small bit of my day back.
Benefits of an Email Detox
Removing email from your phone can:
- Decreases stress levels.
- Increases your productivity.
- Provides intentional responses.
- Improves time management.
Phone pings, apps, notifications cause cortisol spikes. Couple those spikes with natural day-day stressors and you have a recipe for keeping your body in a high-stress state. Sitting down to check email on your terms, helps you to to focus. You can filter what is important to address in that moment vs. what can wait.
You will be more clear and intentional, and I would argue more honest in your response. Additionally, you will find that your time management improves. Multi-tasking has its time and place, but if you can control variables to keep your stress in check, you will find a ripple effect to your sleep, your mood, and ultimately your overall health.
Professional Email
I will admit, my job as a nurse anesthetist does not require me to have email on my phone. However, I am in a leadership role, I mentor, and I do check my email daily. The same work is getting done, but it is being done on my terms. It is a small step that has helped me to be more present in the areas where I need to be present, and likewise, focused when I need to focus.
If you have a career that requires email, then I encourage you to turn off notifications. This small practice will still allow you to respond, when you are ready vs. being triggered and attached.
Sometimes is is the small tips that make the difference. I encourage you to be conscious of what media you consume. What books, podcasts, music you allow into your personal space. Everything compounds and if you are intentional at the micro level, then it will pay dividends at the macro level … and ultimately improve your overall health.
My final tip: Skip the scrolling and skip outside! A walk around the block is my top tip for a reset.
Cheers!
