A thought:

It seems evident that ‘intermittent fasting’ from food is beneficial to our physiological and mental health. What if ‘digital intermittent fasting’ was also beneficial to our “digital” health as well?

This means:

1. For certain periods of the day, totally disconnect yourself from the internet (live in #airplane mode)
2. Limit your internet access to only a certain chunk/block of the day.
3. The goal isn’t to NEVER use the internet– the goal is to use it in short/intense bursts when it truly benefits you.

Something I’ve been experimenting with the last month or so is this:

Own a phone, but don’t get a data/phone plan.

This means you can get offline Google Maps access (works very well), and you can also use it when you have wifi connectivity. This way, you’re not always using/checking your phone as a ‘nervous tic’ when at restaurants or other places, when you don’t really need to be using it.

Digital fasting retreat

Another idea– go to the woods, go on a cruise, a plane, or any situation where you don’t have access to internet or wifi. Try to go a day, a few days, or even a week without internet access. “Reset” your brain, and when you re-access the internet, re-assess yourself by thinking:

What are the effects of the ‘constant on’ internet access on my brain — and what don’t I like about certain thought patterns I have?

This means:

Create your own bespoke solution to your life, in terms of how you allow technology/internet access/change/modify/nudge/influence your behavior.

There ain’t a ‘wrong’ or ‘right’ approach. My suggestion is be AWARE of the effects of digital technology on your mind/body/soul — and ask yourself:

Am I controlling the technology, or is the technology controlling me?

Stay (digitally) woke!

ERIC