The last – but certainly not least – practice that can do wonders for our mental health is

Digital Detox

Yes, it really means no exposure to any electronic devices for a certain period of time. Sounds crazy? To many people it does sound crazy, downright impossible. We feel we must be connected at all times. But what are we really connected to? Problems? Crisis? Other people’s fake lives?

Today, we are as disconnected as ever. Disconnected with ourselves in the first place. We are afraid to be left just with ourselves, our thoughts and emotions. Often, we are unsure of how to cope with them. They require listening and focus, usually also adjustments and change. We are better at being busy. When a moment creeps in and we are not busy for a change, we turn to our electronic devices. It’s safer.

It’s funny how we can control the exposure to electronics of our small children (sometimes). We take their electronic toys and they get upset and we are horrified about how upset they are, we realize they are probably addicted to the screens and that they don’t know what else to do… Yet, most of us are the same! Even worse, because first, we are not walking the talk, and second, no one can take it away from us. For most of us it’s an addiction.

This is the one practice I truly have a hard time with. I wake up early, exercise regularly, keep my gratitude journal and I eat clean. I don’t need to watch TV or play video games, but throwing that phone into a bucket for a weekend… hmm, I have a very hard time doing that. But I keep trying. Many of my coachees are able to do it regularly and they swear by it. For them it’s the only way to remain sane, recharge batteries, connect with their families and with their inner selves.