Week 11: Digital Detox

In today’s fast-paced, always-connected world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant stream of notifications, emails, and social media updates. As a college student juggling schoolwork, two jobs, and social commitments, I’ve found that staying connected often means sacrificing my mental clarity and focus. That’s why, recently, I’ve made it a habit to implement digital detoxes—times where I step away from screens and distractions to recharge, refocus, and reconnect with myself. It’s become an essential part of my routine, helping me find some balance and regain control of my time. Disconnecting gives me space to think without feeling pulled in a hundred directions, and it’s been surprisingly effective in improving my productivity. It’s not about completely unplugging but making intentional time for a mental reset.

One of the best parts of my digital detox is using my record player. There’s something about putting on a vinyl and listening to the entire album that makes me slow down and focus. It’s the opposite of streaming, where I can skip tracks whenever I feel like it. With vinyl, I have to commit to the whole thing, and that forced attention is surprisingly refreshing. This is especially because I listen to music throughout most of my day and I sometimes get burnt out of the playlists I listen to daily.

During my digital detox, I’ll spend an hour or two just listening to whatever I’m in the mood for. It's a chance to focus on music and find other songs that I might not have noticed if I hadn't forced myself to listen to the entirety of the almost one hundred albums I own. I’ll often pick out albums I haven't listened to in a while, and it feels like rediscovering old favorites. It’s also a time to appreciate the music without distractions, letting me enjoy the experience instead of just having it on in the background.

Comments

  1. Maya ZielinskiApril 8, 2025 at 2:18 PM

    I think it's super important to recognize how much time we spend on our phones and on social media. Being aware of this and taking the time to remove ourselves from the online world and do something beneficial for our minds is a great idea!

    ReplyDelete

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