The ever rising urge to move to remote work has brought with it all sorts of perks, but despite the enviable positives in the life of a digital nomad, there are certain negatives to overcome on the way.
This is more evident when you have targets to meet, work unsociable hours, and also have to take out time to explore new destinations.
The main challenge to remote workers is the constant need for connection to technology. Though this is an essential part of their daily routine, striking the right balance between work and travel can be quite difficult.
This is where digital detox comes in as a powerful tool for an international break from all screens, which boosts productivity and achieve balance.
So if you are ready to set strict time limits, here are some digital detox challenges to accept which will make you happy and productive and at the same time engage more deeply with the destinations you travel to.
Why is digital detox important?
Digital nomads often work from exotic destinations, yet they find themselves so immersed in work and glued to their devices, that they miss out on the very experiences they have dreamt off by opting for this lifestyle.
Some tell-tale signs that it is time for taking a digital break include, increased anxiety, reduced productivity, social media overload or difficulty in sleeping.
How to go about it as a digital nomad
While switching off entirely from all devices is not practical for a remote worker, there are other effective ways and means to strike a balance between work and travel that will align with your lifestyle.
# Consider going on a cruise
A digital nomad Is constantly in search of attaining the perfect balance between wanderlust and remote work.
So if you are ready to embark on a journey like no other, consider going on a cruise where you cannot only work hard, but explore even harder as well.
These days, there are plenty of last-minute affordable cruise getaway deals available for many destinations where you can manage your business when onboard and sail to breathtaking destinations also.
This much-needed intervention also promises something more radical, the value of mindfulness over metrics and serenity over status updates.
# Turn-off push notifications
During certain hours of the day, set your device to Do Not Disturb or turn off push notifications as they temptation to check your mobile when you see a long list of notifications is too great.
Phone updates are mostly not urgent, but sadly the brain gets such a hefty dose of dopamine every time the phone buzzes, it makes it hard to switch it off. Therefore, the best option is to avoid getting any alert altogether in the first place.
# Your bedroom should be off-limits to technology
Your phone is probably the first thing you check in the morning and also the last thing before you go to bed. If you use your mobile as an alarm, you are likely to check it even earlier.
This kind of pointless smartphone use is sure to impact your sleep negatively as the blue light emitted by the screen can disturb the sleeping patterns. So if you find it hard to resist checking the phone, why not simply remove it.
You can do this by making your bedroom a no-technology zone and keep all your devices, including the chargers, outside the bedroom.
# Develop a healthy relationship with technology
Once you are through your detox, develop habits that will stop you from returning to the past mistakes. You can do this by:
- Setting screen time limits
- Allow push notifications for specific apps
- Dedicate time to step outside without the phone
- Engage in a hobby that doesn’t involve screens
