There are hundreds of articles and methods out there to help those who want to spend less time in front of their screens or who are looking to disconnect. Given the almost infinite amount of content produced on this subject—including this very article—it’s easy to see that many of us still struggle to build a healthy relationship with our devices. To be fair, their addictive power is immense, and has even been recognized by North American courts.
Assuming that it’s not the tools or methods that are lacking, I’d like to offer a different perspective: finding the right moment.
In the same way that most people don’t start a new diet in December—choosing instead to wait until January to enjoy the holidays and avoid social pressure—there is an ideal time to start a "digital detox": the return of sunny days.
Let’s clarify what I mean by "digital detox." I’m talking about your relationship with your smartphone and reducing your daily screen time.
Getting back to the point: when temperatures start to rise and the sun begins to shine, it’s the perfect time to set a goal. Personally, I’m currently aiming for a maximum of two hours per day on my phone. Why wait for the good weather? Quite simply because you’ll be more motivated to be outdoors than indoors, making it easier to engage in activities that naturally distract you from your phone. Staying home often leads to boredom—a state that is increasingly difficult to handle in our world of constant over-stimulation—which increases the likelihood of being drawn back into the redoubtable touch screen.
Here are a few ideas to help you disconnect:
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Set a daily goal.
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Set limits on the apps you use the most.
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Go out without your phone.
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Go out with a book.
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Delete your most time-consuming apps (access them only from your computer instead).
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Use Ancre notebooks to write or draw.
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Engage in activities that require your full attention (climbing, cycling, hiking, painting… find what brings you joy).
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Set up your Wi-Fi to include scheduled breaks.
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Replace apps with physical alternatives (a film camera, a physical stopwatch, a watch, etc.).
As mentioned at the beginning, the internet is full of ideas and solutions. The most important thing is to find what works for you, without beating yourself up if you don’t succeed every time. The goal is to maintain these new habits even when the weather turns cold and the days get shorter.
Stay strong, and make the most of the spring and summer!
