Digital Detox is actually an act of Self-Love

SHARAN facilitator Rose Pinto shares how accidentally she discovered that she needs to switch off!

One day, I asked my phone, "Am I really addicted to you? I give you proper rest for 12 hours, yet I still search for you. How can I detach and use your energy mindfully?" When you ask such a question, you will get the answer. After two days, my phone had a small fall, and the screen broke. Then I asked myself, "Why did this happen?" I got my answer: I needed a break from my phone. But the universe heard "broke" instead of "break." So, my phone went for repair for 24 hours!

That day, I realized how dependent I had become and felt a sense of suffocation. After that day, I decided to give myself and my phone a one-day detox. It has been a beautiful journey. That day, I understood that digital detox is one of the biggest acts of loving yourself because you're doing it for your personal growth.

You are born in Mother Earth's lap to find yourself. When you love yourself, you will find yourself. Nowadays, we are stressed with small things, like the roads not being good. We discuss this with a group of people, and after that, we unknowingly carry that stress with us. We scroll through YouTube and Instagram on our phones whenever we are bored. The phone has become a new painkiller for people, including me. 

On my digital detox days, I ask myself, "What will make me happy today?" I have started doing art, learning music or lyrics to sing to myself, spending time alone, and dating myself. When I do that, I feel like the little "me" gets happy. I giggle to myself whenever I get the art or the music right. I enjoy the wind, eat fruits, and feel satisfied. I visit a friend's house; just listen to them without any judgment. I find calmness and stillness within me. I am just flowing.

Potato Leek Soup 

Cooking is a great way to detox digitally. Do try this winner of a soup – so easy to make and delicious too. And please enjoy it without any gadgets in hand too!

Ingredients:

• 1 medium-sized potato, cubed
   
• 1 leek stalk, chopped
   
• Few sprigs of celery
   
• 1 carrot, cubed
   
• 50 g pumpkin, cubed
   
• 1 cup vegetable stock (or more as required)
   
• Unrefined salt to taste

Method:

In a pot, simmer potato, leek, celery, pumpkin and carrot in the vegetable stock until tender. Blend until smooth. Add salt to taste, and serve.

Serves 41

Food For The Mind

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Getting Away Works!

We are constantly being bombarded with information on our phones. Eye health and sleep are being compromised.  Increased expectations and desires give rise to anxiety, peer pressure & even depression. As virtual relationships gain momentum, we lose social skills and real connections with the world.

Do you realise that hours just fly by when we are busy with our gadgets? So much more productive things could have been done instead. A digital detox is indeed the need of the hour and is great for both your physical and mental health.

Find out some practical ways to detox –

1. Calculate  Realisation is the first step. Take a minute and calculate the amount of time you spend on social media.

2. Have Faith Whatever you need to know, you will come to know! This truly works.

3. Set a time limit From 9 pm to 9 am – or whatever time works for you – no gadgets, Initially, it may seem tough but you will get into a habit very easily.

4. Have a Digital Detox Day Once a week, specifically Sunday, just switch off your mobile phone. You will truly experience a holiday and will be recharged for the week.

5. Remove Addictive Apps Be mentally prepared for withdrawal symptoms, but if you cleverly plan in advance what you will be doing instead, then it will ease off the discomfort.

6. Turn Off all Unnecessary Notifications

7. Set an Alarm When you decide to surf, then ensure you have a time set to get off it.

8. Do it with a Buddy This helps in accountability and motivation.

9. Just Leave It When you are going for a walk or a dinner or to run an errand, leave the phone at home!

10. Make your Bedroom a No Phone Zone