It seems almost impossible to avoid our devices, emails and notifications, we are hyper connected and it’s becoming more challenging to disconnect. 

 

Yet, the power of stepping back from our screens can transform not just our mental clarity but our creative output as well. 

 

Cal Newport’s book on ‘Deep Work’ suggests “if you don’t produce, you won’t thrive — no matter how skilled or talented you are.”

 

Deep work refers to the ability to work consistently at demanding tasks using deep focus and without distraction. 

 

Basically, you have to ‘go deep!’ 

 

Newport highlights the difference between deep work and shallow work:

 

Deep work: Demanding tasks that require you to focus with no distractions and which require skills that are hard to replicate or master.

Shallow work: Tasks that do not require intense focus, don’t require skills and are normally the ‘busy work’ like administration. 

 

It’s easy to lose focus and deep work. Even a quick glance at the email inbox, or phone message or the web could create significant cognitive impairment for quite a long time to follow.

 

If you’re trying to use your mind at its maximum limit – this is where most people go wrong. 

 

If you get to the end of the day feeling like so much has been left undone, perhaps it’s time for a digital detox schedule. 

 

The benefits of unplugging, even briefly, are many. Reducing digital overload cuts down stress, allowing us to think more clearly and focus deeper. It opens up mental space for creativity, enabling us to solve problems innovatively and steer our businesses into new realms.

 

Moreover, by reclaiming our time from digital demands, we enhance our real-world interactions and overall quality of life, crucial for sustained success and happiness.

 

Where to begin: 

 

Set Clear Boundaries: 

Start by scheduling times of the day as digital-free zones. You can schedule email checks in the morning and afternoon, meetings to be held mid-morning and then hours throughout the day for deep work. 

 

Create Tech-Free Spaces: 

Designate areas in your home or office as tech-free zones. No phone on the desk between certain hours, no phone in the bedroom, and device-free time for reading or simply being. The absence of digital distractions will encourage your mind to roam freely and creatively. 

 

Embrace Boredom: 

 

In her book ‘Bored and Brilliant’ Manoush Zomorodi discovered that boredom allows our mind to process information and lets our mind wander. Boredom makes life less stressful, it enhances creativity making it easier for us to come up with brilliant ideas. 

 

In our digitally saturated world, we've been conditioned to view boredom as a problem to be solved with more screen time or entertainment. It's in boredom that our brains connect the dots, forming new ideas and solutions.

 

Reconnect with the Physical World: 

 

We are not meant to spend all of our time inside, disconnected from nature.

Years ago doctors used to prescribe ‘nature' for anxiety and depression. As cities became crowded and filled with smoke and noise – it required remedy in the form of nature retreats.

 

Use the time you'd typically spend online to engage with the physical world. Whether it's a walk in nature, a physical hobby, or simply sitting with a notebook and pen, these activities can reset your brain and spark creativity.

 

Digital Sabbaticals: 

Consider taking a longer break from digital devices. A weekend or even a week-long break can do wonders. Inform your contacts in advance, set up an autoresponder, and trust that the world will keep spinning without you.

 

The Benefits of a Digital Detox for Small Business Owners

The advantages of unplugging, even for short periods, are multifold. Firstly, it reduces stress, a notorious creativity killer. Without the constant barrage of notifications, you can breathe easier, think clearer, and focus deeper.

 

Secondly, it boosts creativity. With your brain free from clutter, it has the space to explore new ideas, think laterally, and innovate. This creativity is essential not just for problem-solving but for steering your business forward with confidence and vision.

 

Lastly, it improves quality of life. By reclaiming your time and attention from digital demands, you invest more in personal relationships and experiences, enriching your life beyond the screen. This balance is crucial for long-term success and personal fulfillment.