How I Make Time to Digitally Detox During the Holidays

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vicky john

I’m someone who’s constantly online and deeply connected to the digital world. But I’ll admit, it often pulls me away from the present—especially during life’s big moments. This holiday season, I’m embracing a “digital detox” to focus on genuine connections and rediscover the joy of being fully present.

Benefits of Digitally Detoxing During the Holidays

So, why did I want to digitally detox? Well, honestly, because the barrage of connectivity has become overwhelming, even for someone who is used to it. I’ll admit that each ping, each ding, and each update has a magnetic pull, instantly taking away my attention from the moment.

Person lying on phone overwhelmed
Anton Vierietin / Shutterstock

As the holidays are approaching, I knew I just couldn’t continue this way. I want to bring together my friends and family, and that includes me—not on my phone. The goal is to create new memories free from the distractions of screens instead of hiding behind them.

When it comes to digitally detoxing, there are plenty of good “whys” to back up the action. Some of these include:

1. Improved Mental Health and Reduced Stress

Taking yourself away from digital devices can provide a much-needed rest for your mind. Screens have been shown to contribute to heightened levels of stress, so stepping away even for a short time can lower anxiety.

Making it an intentional shift creates an even more restful state, free from the constant demands of emails, messages, and more.

2. Better Relationships

There is a huge difference in connecting with the people around you face-to-face versus through a screen. By going through a digital detox, I wanted to open myself up to more genuine interactions with those I love.

That could be recounting old stories I’ve heard a hundred times before, sharing laughs, or simply enjoying the company of those I have chosen to surround myself with.

3. Enjoying the Holidays

It might seem like you’re doing your future self a service, snapping all those social media photos, but really you aren’t. No one is going to remember that moment, but they will remember that you’re stuck behind your phone the entire meal.

It takes you out of the immersion of the holidays, so putting down the electronics and digital distractions is just one way to enrich the overall experience instead of ruining it.

Tips on How to Digitally Detox

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. How, exactly, do you start your digital detox?

Digital detox with tech tools
N Universe / Shutterstock

1. Create Goals

What do you want to achieve from digitally detoxing? Is it to have a better time with your family, lessen your screen time by fifty percent, or maybe pick up a new hobby? Having a reason why you want to detox and setting digital detox goals for yourself is a great way to stick to your plan.

2. Set Boundaries

Contrary to popular opinion a digital detox doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go into complete digital withdrawal. Instead, what you want to do is set specific times during the day to check your emails and social media, which helps you maintain a more healthy balance with all things digital.

So, allow yourself windows of connectivity during which your digital consumption is controlled, minimizing disruption during those all-too-important holiday moments.

3. Create Tech-Free Zones

Designate areas throughout your home or during gatherings where devices simply are not allowed. This could be at the dinner table, the living room during a gift exchange, or maybe even the whole house during specific “festive hours.”

By doing so you’re not only discouraging screen time, you’re also encouraging people to hang out and interact.

4. Engaging In Offline Activities

Here’s the thing, it isn’t enough to just reduce your screen time—you need to fill that time with something active. It might be your chance to rediscover your love of cooking, diving into that book you’ve been putting off, or maybe even taking a walk outdoors with a loved one.

Every activity you can think of and participate in is another chance to disconnect and live in the moment.

5. Communicate With Loved Ones

It is hard to do anything alone, so share your goals with family and friends or, better yet, get them involved too. Sharing your intentions for digital detoxification can help them understand what you are trying to do and will help cultivate a more supportive environment that will improve your commitment to the end goal.

6. Use Tools to Aid Detox

Not all technology is bad, and you can even employ digital detox tools to help counteract the reach of tech. Do this by making use of apps and settings designed to limit screen time. Use features that schedule downtime or shut off notifications after a certain time, helping you on your journey to a healthier digital balance.

There is a part of me that, while scared, is also looking forward to taking on a digital detox just in time for the holidays. I want to prioritize what really matters, and if that means stepping away from the screens, then that is exactly what I am going to do. And, hopefully, you will too!

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