My Digital Detox Takeaways: Disconnect to Reconnect

I thought to myself "I'll go Offline in October"....but is that social suicide?

After months of building a biz behind the scenes I found myself looking externally for the creativity I was searching for. I recognized the constant comparison I was creating in my mind. Feelings of "not enough" were starting to tighten their grip.

When I started my social media accounts years ago, they were a source of motivation and a way to connect with others. Instagram was a place to share (outfits, workouts, nutritious meals and other aspects of daily life) for fun and Facebook was a tool to keep in touch with old friends and far away family members.

But then something shifted, and I know you felt it too...

People began monetizing the space, creating business content, and being oh so judgey and critical of one another. Constantly being exposed to the "highlight reel" of everyone's lives started to make us feel inadequate and as if we had to "keep up with the Jones's".

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE that people can use the internet to build a business and share what they love (ahem...that's LITERALLY what I DO for a living), but that can 100% suck the fun right out of it....and that's the main purpose of these platforms (and life IMO). FUN!

When something is no longer enjoyable, it becomes a chore or an "energy suck", leaving you feeling frustrated and depleted. It's the same for anything in life; exercise, nutrition, religious practices, even relationships, so I was determined to find the fun again!

But I knew that meant starting with time away...a digital detox. (The definition of detox is "a process or period of time in which one abstains from") I wanted to make space in my life (and in my mind) for possibility. An opportunity to hit refresh on my reality...outside of the internet.

So I set my intentions and started deleting. Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok and Twitter; logged off for 21 days. Here's the biggest takeaways I had from my Offline October experience (and WHY you need a digital detox too)...

1) How much time I was WASTING

Ever heard the saying "busy not productive"? Well apparently I was the epitome of that and I didn't even recognize it at the time. I was spending time on "market research", but ultimately I would end up doing the dirty scroll...you know, the one where you say "only for a minute" and then an hour is *POOF* gone. Then I would be frustrated at the end of the day by how little I actually accomplished, despite feeling exhausted.

2) How much ENERGY I was leaking

Energy is crucial, as we only get so much. And if you aren't carefully protecting it you can feel drained very quickly. The easiest way to give way your energy is by allowing outside sources (information, opinions, reactions) to "plug in" to your emotional body (it's like your electrical outlet). Ever experience the social media emotional rollercoaster ride? it goes something like this...

"Aww Stacy's baby is getting so big! Ugh I can't believe Steve is still wearing a mask! Oh I love those shoes, how did you know I needed a new pair Facebook? I bet I know who Betty is voting for *rolls eyes*. Does Kevin ever stop complaining? it looks like Christy is doing so great in life *wait...am I?* Another funny cat video...." and repeat...

Yea, my guess is you have.

3) How much I CARED about how I was perceived

Now I'm not saying you should get on the internet and do / say whatever you want. Yes it's a free country, but any action with ill intent (whether it's "allowed" or not) is bad karma. That being said, I realized how much I worried about what I was saying or doing, who would disagree or oppose, and how I would have to react or defend. It kept me from showing up authentically (which like I said at the very beginning, was the sole purpose of social media in the first place) and left me feeling anxious and misaligned with my purpose (to inform).

Add the occasional self defeating thoughts, comparison to others, virtual arguments, and feeling "behind" ... it was a recipe for digital disaster.

So I disconnected for 3 weeks in hopes of reconnecting. To my intuition, creativity, and self worth. I stepped up my self care and spiritual practices. I dialed in on my nutrition and challenged myself during my workouts. I completed unfinished projects and made a real game plan for my entrepreneurial dreams. I sang and danced more than I have in a long time, took time to learn new skills and information to make me a better persona and coach. I cleaned out my closets (the emotional one too) and organized my space (my office and my thoughts). I allowed myself to rest when I needed it but got way more done when I was working. I cried, I smiled, and I enjoyed the ride with no distractions.

October's over and I'm back online now. What's different going forward?

My intention is FUN again. I want to be, do, & share for the sole purpose of enjoyment while being of service to others. I look forward to looking forward to life and I'm excited to bring you along on the journey.

**If you want to take the digital detox challenge, click here to download your free guide to get started today!