Digital Detox

-Do you check your phone when you wake up? Do you close your screen after you go to sleep at night?

-Do you scroll your device during a conversation and while walking down the street?

-Do you take a lot of photos of the food that is in front of you, rather than enjoying it?

-Do you have a strong FOMO (Fear of Missing out)?

– Are you having a feeling of being lost in the ocean of information lately?

If the answers to at least four of these equations are yes, then yes, you need a digital Detox. Everyone is talking about taking some time off from the black mirror. Nowadays, a large number of people are deliberately staying away from their electronic devices, to spend more quality time with family, to pursue hobbies, to go out and live in an actual world, to get that Serotonin pumping.

Doing digital Detox is completely manageable. But, as Swamiji says, every plan needs a strong, determined Sankalp. Resolution and positive visualization are the two keys to making every resolution a success, says Swamiji.

Swamiji says, with these small steps, you can have a start to be free from the shackles of screen addiction. Even, people who do not have any experience whatsoever in spirituality or meditation can easily practice this.

-Take a Sankalp not to touch your phone, iPad, laptop or any electronics device for the next 12 hours.

-Start your day before dawn. You have a good night’s sleep, and now, your mind is well-rested and fresh. The availability of nascent oxygen in the atmosphere is making the environment pure and filled with natural calmness.

-With closed eyes, by sitting down, relax your mind. Do not fight with your thoughts, and let them flow naturally, without engaging with them. It’s not easy to empty your mind, it comes with practise.Try connecting with the divine.

– Swamiji recommends chanting the Mantra Kleem Kalikaye Namah for ten minutes, to remove all the negativity, anxiety, loneliness you might have generated within yourself from social media.

-After chanting the Mantra for ten minutes, maintain the position for the next one minute, open your eyes, and continue with your day.

Whatever your daily chores are, perform them with complete attention to them. Have breakfast, like it is the best, tastiest breakfast of your life. Truly connect with your food. Enjoy each and every spoon of that breakfast. Make a real conversation with your family members. Go into the sunlight. Take a hike. Be with nature to reconnect.

You can have this disconnect once, or twice per week to restore your URL and IRL (In Real Life) balance.

Set your intention: Start by setting a clear intention for your digital detox. Reflect on why you want to disconnect from technology and what you hope to achieve through meditation. This will help you stay focused and committed throughout the process.

Choose a duration: Decide how long you want your digital detox to last. It could be a day, a weekend, or even a week. Be realistic about what feels manageable for you and aligns with your goals.

Create a tech-free zone: Designate a specific space in your home where you'll be free from digital distractions. Remove or keep your devices out of sight to minimize temptation and create a calm environment.

Establish a meditation routine: Plan regular meditation sessions during your digital detox. Start with shorter sessions if you're new to meditation and gradually increase the duration as you progress. Aim for at least 10-15 minutes of meditation each day.

Choose a meditation technique: There are various meditation techniques you can explore. Some popular ones include mindfulness meditation, loving-kindness meditation, breath awareness, or guided meditations. Experiment with different techniques to find what resonates with you.

Practice mindful technology use: If you need to use technology during your digital detox, practice mindful and intentional usage. For example, if you need to make a phone call or use a computer for work, do so with full awareness and avoid mindless browsing or excessive screen time.

Practicing Meditation and Mantra chanting gives you a sense of calmness and perspective. Staying a few days away from social media, practicing mindfulness, will make you calmer. As you will have more time in your hands, you will be more efficient and less procrastinating. You might discover the old joys of reading and writing, instead of scrolling on the mediocre information. As you become self-aware with meditation, you will feel closer to nature and to your family and friends when you actually will have a face to face conversation with them.