5 Digital Wellness Tips For Disconnecting Over The Holidays

 / 

5 Digital Wellness Tips For Disconnecting Over The Holidays

Disconnecting from technology sometimes can work wonders for your mental health. Digital wellness is emerging as an important part of self care. With social media and so many apps flooding our minds with notifications, it is important that we ‘Disconnect’ ourselves from it from time to time.

โ€œWe live today not in the digital, not in the physical, but in the kind of minestrone that our mind makes of the two.โ€ โ€” Paola Antonelli

Just like that, the holidays are officially here. I donโ€™t know about you, but it feels like 2018 was just yesterday. โ€˜Tis the season of sparkling lights, family gatherings, and holiday cheer. โ€˜Tis (also) the season of stressful travel, unmet resolutions, and last-minute gifting. While I love the holidays, Iโ€™ll be the first to admit that it can come with some stressors.

As a digital wellness expert, I know one of the best ways to stay present (and sane) is by disconnecting from technology.

Not only does disconnecting give you space to live your life in the moment, but it also allows you to build a deeper relationship with yourself as well as those around you. The holidays might be about festive cookies and winter cocktails, but theyโ€™re mostly about celebrating the people we love (ourselves included).

The best way to truly experience the holiday season? Changing your relationship with technology.

Here are five Digital Wellness Tips for disconnecting over the holidays:

1. Go for a walk outside to collect your thoughts before spending the day with family.

I recommend getting outside in nature for the best results, so venture out to your local park for a morning or midday stroll. Spending time in nature can help alleviate stress and anxiety, improve your mood, and boost your wellbeing.

โ€œWe need solitude, because when we’re alone, we’re free from obligations, we don’t need to put on a show, and we can hear our own thoughts.โ€ – Tamim Ansary

2. Start the day writing a gratitude list of the top 10 things you are grateful for this year.

This journaling exercise is a great moment to self-reflect on what youโ€™ve accomplished and realize how far youโ€™ve come since last year. The other benefit? It will give you great topics of conversation for when your family asks what youโ€™ve been up to during holiday get-togethers.

3. Turn off your phone on the day of the holiday.

If that sounds too scary (although I know you can do it), then turn off your phone during the hours youโ€™re with family and allow yourself to be fully present with them. If things ever get tense, then have a non-tech related self-care plan (aka a micro-moment like walking the dog or taking a long shower).

4. Break out an old board game or puzzle!

Play whatever game you choose with your family and friends while the food is cooking or heating up. Let your down your guard and get rowdy over some Monopoly. Some good old fashioned fun reminds everyone that nothing has to be too serious, especially family gatherings.

“Think how really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it’s at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored.” – Earl Nightingale

5. Speaking of food, try a new recipe for the holiday dinner.

Get creative and use that recipe you have been saving on Pinterest for a special occasion. This is that occasion! Spending time in the kitchen and preparing a delicious entree for your family is an act of love and an act of service. It shows your appreciation for them as well as yourself. Plus, you get a full reign on licking the spoons as you taste and prepare (and who doesnโ€™t love that).

While the holidays might be a bit stressful, thereโ€™s a lot of joy to be found as well. Chances are that joy is not going to be found on Facebook or Twitter. Take care of yourself during the final stretch of the year by caring more about your relationship with technology.

โ€œWeโ€™re so busy watching out for whatโ€™s just ahead of us that we donโ€™t take time to enjoy where we are.โ€ โ€• Bill Watterson

The more you allow yourself to disconnect, the less youโ€™ll feel like youโ€™re missing out on your college ex-boyfriendโ€™s Instagram post or the latest meme about what itโ€™s like to be a millennial. The more space you create to be present, the more youโ€™ll realize how many things you want to be present for. In disconnecting, you give yourself a real opportunity to reconnect with everything truly important to you. Whether thatโ€™s spending time with family or your winter self-care routine, remind yourself that your time is valuable and then find that value away from your phone. Trust me, โ€œ2020 youโ€ will thank me (and thank you).

Since technology has taken over our lives, the occasional digital detox is highly recommended. People have forgotten that there is more to life than Facebook and Instagram, and there is so much you can enjoy and experience. You just have to look up from your phone.

Check out this video to understand why it is important to disconnect over the holidays:

TTYL,
Liana


Written by Liana Pavane
Originally appeared in TTYL

You may also like:

24 Simple Self-Care Ideas For The Holidays and Beyond
Managing difficult emotions during the holidays
Finding Happiness In Chaos: 3 Things To Do
5 Things That Are Self-Care And 5 Things That Are Not

5 Digital Wellness Tips For Disconnecting Over The Holidays
5 Digital Wellness Tips For Disconnecting Over The Holidays

— Share —

— About the Author —

Leave a Reply



Up Next

6 Therapeutic Japanese Words With Deep Meaning

Japanese Words With Deep Meanings That Bring Peace of Mind

Japan has figured out how to bring us tranquility. This country is full of therapeutic Japanese words with deep meanings that will make your soul feel at peace.

Living in a world that moves at the speed of light, it is so easy to get caught up in the chaos. Stress seems to be on every street corner and finding peace and serenity seems to be nothing more than a pipe dream.

These Japanese phrases with deep meaning gently remind us all to just slow down, take a deep breath, and find peace in the present moment. Each word carries its weight when it comes to finding harmony within oneself and achieving an unmatched sense of peace.

So letโ€™s dive into six therapeutic Japanese words with deep meanings that can give you instant tranquility in this hectic world we live in!



Up Next

Plant Parenthood 101: How Caring For Plants Can Nourish Your Mental Healthย 

Ways Plant Parenthood Can Boost Your Mental Health

Have you ever wondered why so many people are embracing plant parenthood? It seems like everywhere you turn, there’s someone proudly displaying their thriving indoor jungle or posting pictures of their leafy companions on social media. 

But this trend is more than just a passing fad; it’s a movement that promotes not only the well-being of plants but also the mental health of humans. 

Let us explore the concept of plant parenthood, why caring for plants is important for both plants and humans, and learn how do plants help mental health.

What is Plant Parenthood?

Plant parenthood is the act of nurturing and caring for houseplants as if they were our o



Up Next

30+ Truths About Diet Culture, Eating Disorders, And The Process of Healing

Honest Truths About Diet Culture And Eating Disorders

Diet culture impacts so many people all over the world, and unfortunately, much of it’s impact is negative and harmful. If you are struggling with an eating disorder, then you’ve come to the right place. These truths about diet culture will help you understand it’s repercussions, and motivate you to live your life in a much healthier way.

If you are struggling with food or an eating disorder, these helpful points may offer you the nudge you need to change your relationship with food.

Related: Diving into Diet Culture Definition: 5 Startli



Up Next

Are You ‘Manic Cleaning’ Or Just Tidying Up? 5 Signs To Look For

Manic Cleaning Episodes: Signs To Look For

Have you ever been tidying your house and thought, โ€œAm I manic cleaning?โ€ Many people have been misusing this term so much that itโ€™s become a viral trend.

But before we get into what is manic cleaning, let’s learn about mania. According to Dr. Aron Tendler, a psychiatrist and Chief Medical Officer, โ€œmaniaโ€ usually refers to bipolar disorder which causes unpredictable shifts in mood, energy, and functioning. Real mania lasts for seven days or more and affects behavior as well as mood and cognition.

And What Is Manic Cleaning Episode?



Up Next

Why The Best Time To Have Coffee Isn’t Right When You Wake Up!

Best Time To Have Coffee: Reasons It's Not Early Morning

Are you part of the club that canโ€™t even think about starting their day without the warm embrace of a good ole cuppa? You might want to rethink your morning ritual because it turns out the best time to have coffee in the morning is not when youโ€™re up on an empty stomach.

Although chugging down a steaming cup of coffee sounds like the perfect way to kickstart the day, there is growing evidence that suggests why you shouldn’t drink coffee first thing in the morning and wait a little longer before taking your first sip. 

So, letโ€™s examine whatโ€™s the best time to drink coffee in the morning and why you should refrain from an early morning brew.

So, what is the best time to have coffee in the morni



Up Next

Movies To Inspire Creativity: 10 Must-Watch Films For Artists

Movies To Inspire Creativity In You: Creative Movies

Creativity is a tricky thing, striking seemingly when it wants and leaving you high and dry when you need it most. But there are certain movies to inspire creativity and have the power to get your creative juices flowing.

Thereโ€™s just something about the ability of a good film to transport us into another dimension that sparks an idea or two.

If youโ€™ve been feeling uninspired lately, try watching one โ€” or all โ€” of these 10 creative movies that are perfect for anyone looking to ignite their creativity again.



Up Next

The Different Types Of Sleeping Positions And Their Impact On Your Health

Sleeping Types of Sleeping Positions and Their Benefits

Did you know that we spend about one-third of our life sleeping or at least trying to fall asleep? Most of us love to sleep. It helps us rest, reset and rejuvenate. But all of us have our own favorite sleeping positions and different types of sleeping position can offer different benefits. 

Well, there are mainly three types of sleeping positions – back, side, and stomach. While the position may vary a bit depending on the sleeper, these three positions are among the most popular. But which one is the perfect posture to sleep? And how does sleeping position affect health?

Thatโ€™s what we are here to find out today. Whether you sleep on your side, back or stomach, it is essential to know about the different types of sleeping position and how it can affect our health so that you can have comfortable and uninterrupted sl