7 Digital Detoxes For Remote Workers

The trend of moving to remote work has brought with it all sorts of positives: Zoom calls in sweatpants, more time with the dogs and cats in our lives, and fewer pop-ins from Linda from accounting.

Still, for all the perks of remote work, there are some downsides, too.

Just for Your Digital Detox! Unplug and Reward Yourself!

You know you need to spend less time on your phone. And your tablet. And your computer -- apps, chats, messaging, emails, and more. You're ready for that challenge. But it will be hard, and how do you know if you're doing any good? Put your phone down and pick these up: IRLA Unplugged challenge medals. Get a series of five medals that mark your milestones for doing fun things IRL aren't digital in any way at all. As you set more goals, your IRLAs give you the motivation to do more and more.

If you’ve stuck with the remote work change, you might not be complaining about the lack of a commute. That commute, though, serves as a nice barrier between your work life and your home life. More than that, it’s a physical interruption of our digital life.

The time in your car, on your bike, or on the train gets you out and about and looking up from your phone – and we know how important it is to unplug from our devices once in a while.

One of the most significant challenges remote workers face is that constant connection to technology, leading to a blurred line between work and personal life. This is where digital detoxing comes in.

Digital detoxing, or the idea of intentionally taking time away from screens and electronic devices, can be a powerful way to reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and recharge your mind.

But it gets a little more complicated if you’ve made your home into your office, and your digital devices are everywhere.Before we can dive into our pick of seven digital detoxes for remote workers, let’s break down just why they’re important in the first place.

There are several reasons why digital detoxing can be harder for remote workers compared to those who work in a traditional office setting.

• No physical boundaries - When you work from home or a public space like a coffee shop, you begin to blur the boundaries between work and personal life. This makes it harder for you to disconnect from work and technology.
  
  
• Always available - You may feel the need to be constantly available and responsive to your colleagues and clients, which makes it difficult for you to ever really take a break.
  
  
• Prove your productivity - You may feel the need to constantly prove your productivity and justify your work arrangements to their employers, which can lead to overworking and difficulty in ever really shutting down the screens.
  
  
• Tempting distractions - Working remotely often means having easy access to distractions like social media, streaming services, or household chores. This can make it difficult for remote workers to stay focused and resist the urge to check their devices.

That lack of physical boundaries and the pressure to be always available and productive can make it harder to sign off or power down. Just because it’s hard, though, doesn’t mean it’s not necessary, so keep reading for seven at-home digital detoxes that can make a difference in your life.

Limit your time on social media platforms or take a break from them altogether.

Consider deleting apps from your phone, setting time limits on your phone, or using tools that block certain websites or apps.

If you want to set some real limits, we also have 12 digital detox challenges designed specifically to help you take time away from your phone.

2. Screen-free is the way to be

Designate certain hours of the day as screen-free.

This can be challenging for remote workers, but it's important to give your eyes and brain a break from screens. Consider reading a book, going for a walk, or engaging in a hobby during this time.

Take this digital detox to the next level by becoming one of the 5% of Americans who spend less than an hour a day on their phones.

3. Digital-free days off

Set aside one or two days each week where you disconnect from all digital devices.

This may require some planning ahead, but it can help you reset and recharge.

Not sure if a weekend is the right time for you? We’ve got a few other digital detox solutions for a single day up through a whole week.

4. Minimal emails

Limit the amount of time you spend checking and responding to emails.

With your computer reminding you with its “helpful” alerts all day long, this can be a challenge, so consider setting aside specific times each day to check your inbox, or using tools to manage your email more efficiently.

5. Unplugged vacation

When you take a vacation, consider unplugging entirely from all digital devices.

This can help you fully relax and recharge, and return to work with a clear mind.

If you end up going on a hike during your unplugged vacation, you can even unlock these great Unplugged achievement medals for digital detoxes.

6. Digital minimalism

Practice digital minimalism by eliminating unnecessary apps, unsubscribing from email lists, and simplifying your digital life. 

This can help you focus on what's important and reduce digital distractions.

One way to embrace digital minimalism? Investing in more analog devices around your home.

7. Mindfulness and meditation

Incorporate mindfulness and meditation practices into your daily work-from-home routine.

This can help you become more present and focused, and reduce the need for constant digital stimulation.