Year 2020 was all about going virtual! I work in the Tech industry, which means indefinite exposure to digital devices for numerous hours. However, going 100% virtual with work from home (WFH) was like the last nail in the coffin.

I introspected and was astonished by my average screen exposure per day:

• 12 hours on laptop for work
• 3 hours on social channels and WhatsApp
• 1 hour on Netflix

And this seems to be everyone’s 2020 life story.

In the mad race of staying connected and falling for all the digital distractions in the name of lockdown, we forgot how important it was to actually disconnect and discharge to recharge yourself for high productivity. Juggling between multiple hustles, 2020 definitely paved way for a lot of new opportunities for me but it also added an indefinite number of digital hours to my daily lifestyle.

To be honest, I have no right to complain! It is a personal choice always — whether you want to spend your 30 minutes running outside amidst the nature or go online and stalk your friends and relatives on Instagram! Let us be realistic, watching Netflix is always an easy choice!

I am up by 8kgs; no, I did not deliver a baby haha. I even started following a nutritionist in the last quarter of 2020 and observed no change. Eventually, I realized I was focusing on the wrong things — my focus really needed to shift. I was busy worrying about my weight, my productivity, and my eating habits only, but never realized that ideally I should have first focused on reducing my screen time.

Extreme of anything is dangerous. Digital detox for me does not mean switching off my mobile or deleting my social accounts. Rather, digital detox to me is all about being mindful of how many hours I spend on mindless scrolling on phone or social media.

So what is my plan?

1. Make a choice — Yes I wish to choose my mental and physical wellbeing over other distractions
2. Something is better than nothing — You cannot go for a run/walk everyday and that is fine. I will step out every time I get an opportunity, no matter how short the window is, and definitely without my phone
3. Mute the non-work related WhatsApp groups — The irresistible WhatsApp ting, and the urge to read that unread message notification always tests the Monica (Watch: F.R.I.E.N.D.S) inside me. This does not mean I will cut off from the social life. I will work around for it instead of vice versa.
4. Channelize my spare time to rejuvenate, read books, or just indulge in constructive hobbies that relieves mental stress
5. Have discipline with regards to my presence on social channels

All these tips and tricks might sound like common sense. However, I strongly advocate, the more you hear, the more you will relate and the more power you will get to absorb and follow it!

This year do not make a New Year resolution, instead make a choice! I am definitely making one!