I disconnect for at least two hours a day. In the evening, I disconnect for at least one hour before bed. I disconnect by either turning my phone off or by putting it on airplane mode. I also turn off all other technology. That includes unplugging my WiFi. I leave technology off (or my phone on airplane mode) for at least one hour each morning too. The Fabulous app works on airplane mode!
I aim for half an hour. Sometimes it’s more, sometimes it’s a little less. I’ve included a bed time yoga moment in my disconnect routine and the yoga sessions range in length from 5 minutes to 35 (shout out to Yoga With Adriene!) so that’s a huge factor. Also, I read at least one chapter of a book before I go to sleep but you know how it is! Sometimes one chapter becomes seven.
I start one hour before I expect to be in bed (physically getting in rather than when I expect to be asleep) and I spend the time doing something not related to the internet. For example reading, meditating, praying, crossword puzzle etc.
I try and step away from my computer. I walk, I’ve been walking more since lockdown. I find being outside, or better yet, in the forest relaxes me. I don’t fit my anxiety triggers nearly as much during theses times.
I disconnect after supper, it just seems the best time after everything that had to be done, is dealt with. Nowadays I disconnect by playing with our puppy.
I always disconnect at night a few hours before bed. That gives my eyes ample time to adjust and minimize as much blue light as possible in my environment. This all helps me sleep
I try to disconnect 30 mins to one hour before I sleep. For example, if I plan on sleeping at nine, I will disconnect from social media at eight or eight thirty. This allows me to organize my thoughts and relax. Another note to consider , is that I try to have no WhatsApp, social media conversation or so after 7:45pm or 8:00. I make sure to stop myself from getting into any conversation after that timing. These are my ways of properly unplugging and getting a restful sleep.
I disconnect after dinner. I eat dinner around 4, not that that really matters, but after then I have a routine set to distract me from my phone (do dishes, tidy up, set myself up for success tomorrow, or just go outside and breathe), then I do the bedtime stuff (wash face, brush teeth) and then I have a gratitude journal I fill out, and then I read a book until I am tired enough to go to sleep.
I get off of everything but this app (for my night routine) at 4pm till 7pm. At that point I will still not go onto social media but allow myself to check and answer messages and emails
I usually feel like I can’t disconnect, but when I do find the opportunity to it’s usually around 6-7pm and then I will keep it my phone in a different room for a few hours up until I go to bed around 11pm-12am and set my alarms for the evening. My phone also has a Do Not Disturb mode starting at 10pm that doesn’t let notifications through and puts my phone in black and white to lessen strain on my eyes.
Answers reflect the personal experiences of Fabulous community members. They are not medical or professional advice — for guidance about your health, talk to a qualified professional.
