Staying connected through our smartphones, tablets or computers offers significant benefits, allowing us to manage relationships and stay in touch with friends and family effortlessly. However, this constant connectivity can also feel exhausting, as we find ourselves perpetually responding to messages, emails and social media posts. 

VegClub has chosen to explore the topic of digital detox in depth. We aim to shed light on this important issue, especially relevant to our vegan community—which is constantly sharing and posting about this incredible lifestyle. It’s a conversation worth having.

Understanding digital detox

A digital detox—or tech detox is the intentional reduction, limitation or elimination of the use of digital devices and technology such as smartphones, computers, tablets and social media platforms. The primary goal is to take a break from the relentless connectivity and screen time to recharge, focus on real-world commitments and regain a sense of balance in life.

Benefits of a digital detox

The modern world revolves around staying connected via digital devices, making it difficult for many to go even a few hours without them. Yet, a digital detox can offer substantial benefits for both professional and personal life:

Reevaluating your relationship with technology: A temporary detox helps evaluate your usage patterns, giving you a healthier perspective and outlook.

Time away from social media: Social media can cause anxiety and stress. Detoxing allows you to reset your relationship with these platforms.

Reduced stress and anxiety: Taking time away from work emails and social media can lower stress levels.

Improved sleep: Reducing screen time, especially before bed, can improve sleep quality by allowing your brain to produce melatonin more effectively.

More time for self-care: A digital detox can free up time for activities that recharge you, such as taking a bath, watching a favourite TV show or napping.

Implementing a digital detox

How you limit or reduce tech time is up to you. Some may completely withdraw from all digital material, while others might limit time spent on social media and gaming apps. Here are some steps to consider:

Commit to a time frame: Start small, perhaps half a day or one day and gradually increase.

Define clear goals: Decide whether to limit time on specific applications or go for a complete blackout.

Utilise available tools: Use smartphone functions to limit screen time and inform friends, family and your workplace about your detox.

Fill your free time: Plan enjoyable activities to replace tech time.

Enjoy the freedom: Use this time to rejuvenate your mind and body and reconnect with friends and family.

Things to do during your digital detox

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To make the most of your digital detox, consider engaging in activities that you might not usually have time for:

Read a book: Rediscover the pleasure of reading without digital distractions.

Go to the cinema: Enjoy a film on the big screen for a full cinematic experience.

Watch your favourite series on Netflix: Catch up on shows you’ve missed or revisit old favourites.

Learn some new recipes: Experiment with cooking new dishes and improving your culinary skills.

Meet up with friends for a picnic: Enjoy face-to-face conversations and deepen personal connections.

Organise the house or rearrange furniture: Refresh your living space with a new layout or tidy up your home.

Digital detox for your personal and professional life

Professionals and individuals in their personal lives can greatly benefit from a digital detox. The constant barrage of notifications, emails and social media can be overwhelming. For instance, using a simpler phone like the Nokia 800 Tough on weekends and holidays can help disconnect from work-related stress.

Celebrity manager and vegan entrepreneur Will Callaghan—founder of VegClub Magazine, frequently advocates for digital detoxes. He regularly switches off from social media for a week or two, advising people to do the same for better mental health: “I try to do it at least three times a year, but I make sure I can get someone trustworthy to look after my business’s social media as I don’t post and use my personal social media anymore. The first time I did it was in 2022, and the first two days were really a hell. I thought I was missing important things that were going on in the world, but I wasn’t missing anything at all. Also, the people who were really important to me could talk to me anytime they wanted as they were my husband and my mother, and they live with me. This is what social media does to you; it makes you think you’re missing something very important in the world, when the truth is, the very important thing in the world for you is your own life”.

Begin by assessing your relationship with technology. You might start with small changes, such as limiting social media use or switching to a ‘dumbphone’ for certain periods. It’s crucial to remember that even small increments of digital detoxification can be beneficial. The key is to make adjustments that suit your lifestyle and gradually increase your time away from screens.

Initially, stepping away from the digital world might feel isolating due to our immersion in constant connectivity. However, the personal gains—like being more present, reducing the need for constant stimulation and enhancing self-awareness—are invaluable.

Writing down your experiences and feelings during your detox can provide insights into your habits and help improve future detox attempts. A journal-style format, noting the intensity of your feelings, can be particularly helpful.

The facts and figures

Technology is deeply embedded in our lives. Here are some key statistics illustrating our reliance on constant digital connection:

• The average person receives 63.5 notifications a day. Turning off notifications can make it easier to ignore your smartphone.

   

• Boredom is a major trigger for technology use. 74% of phone users aged 18 to 34 get an urge to use their smartphone when bored.

   

• The average smartphone user checks their phone once every 12 minutes.

   

• Gaming addiction is now a recognised medical condition.

   

• Studies have found that increased smartphone use is associated with higher levels of anxiety.

Read more Rejuvenate and refresh: A vegan paradise at Glass House Retreat

Reasons given by two-thirds of Europeans who said they hated how much time they spend using their mobile phone include:

• It’s taking over my life – 36%

• It causes arguments with my partner – 22%

   

• I can’t live without it – 18%

   

• It prevents me from switching off from work – 14%

   

• It stops me from spending time with my family and friends – 9%

Integrating veganism with digital detox

Just as a digital detox helps reset your relationship with technology, adopting a vegan lifestyle can help reset your relationship with the Earth, environment, food and, of course, the animals. Veganism involves abstaining from animal products and focusing on plant-based foods, which can offer numerous health benefits, such as improved heart health, better digestion and increased energy levels. Additionally, Europe is the top continent for vegans in the world, which makes veganism and plant-based food much easier and more accessible.

Promoting mindful eating: A plant-based diet encourages mindful eating, focusing on whole, unprocessed foods, which can complement the mindfulness gained from a digital detox.

Reducing environmental impact: Like reducing screen time to lower stress, veganism reduces environmental stress by lowering your carbon footprint.

Enhancing overall well-being: Both practices promote well-being—digital detox through mental clarity and relaxation, and veganism through physical health and ethical considerations.

A digital detox is as important as your mental health. If taking time away from your phone or even computer will help you look after yourself, we encourage you to do so. Your own self is more important than the outside world.

If you enjoy our articles and want to read more of our content, check out the top 7 vegan restaurants in Germany for you to try this summer. Perhaps take a look at LGBTQ+ celebrities that you didn’t know were vegan. Or explore Vienna named world’s most liveable city in 2024, for the third consecutive time.