Got Data?
Your Guide to Digital Detox
Hey Readers!
This week, we’re going to take a deep dive into the world of data and why we all need a digital detox.
It’s no secret it’s a data driven world. I’m never reminded of this more than when I’m working my day job as an attorney in tech law. The capacity of technology to hold and use data has changed our world in a multitude of ways. In fact, in privacy law there’s a saying—“data is the new oil.” Why is this the coined phrase? Because data is like oil—it is valuable and vulnerable. Like oil, it can spill, leak and cause damage to both the organization holding it and the data subject it belongs to.1
But data isn’t new. We've always had it. Even if we think of data in “modern data” terms, such as what’s stored in our social media accounts, iPhone, smart TVs, credit cards, or Netflix watch list, that technology holding our data isn’t as new and revolutionary as you might think.
In fact, by the 1960s, mainframe computers emerged to handle data processing and storage needs of business, government, education, and other institutions. It was this unprecedented accumulation of personal data in this era that triggered the interest in privacy practice and privacy rights. This concern lead to the first known privacy data law statute in 1970, enacted by the German state of Hesse which was motivated in part by the growing potential of IT systems and a desire to prevent a reoccurrence of personal information abuse that took place under Hitler’s Third Reich before and during World War II.2
But that’s not what we’re here to discuss today.
Beyond our need and desire to protect our personal data, for reasons that well, should be obvious (i.e., you don’t want your credit card number shared with the world), all of this data coming at us is EXHAUSTING.
For example, did you know that in 1999, researchers estimated the quantity of data generated worldwide came to at least 1.5 billion gigabytes? And that the 2024 estimate is 147 trillion gigabytes? In comparison, experts estimate the entire Library of Alexandria contained around 12 gigabytes of data.3
What does this mean for you? It means you probably have data overload.
Data overload will make you feel overwhelmed by the endless stream of information. The constant influx of information from emails, social media, news, the books you read, the podcasts you listen to, etc. can all lead to stress, reduced focus, and decision fatigue. Anxiety, burnout, and even physical symptoms like headaches and exhaustion from too much data can dilute our focus on what matters.
So how can we navigate this constant flow of information in positive ways?
Here are some tips.
1. Get Outside. It’s no secret that connecting with nature does wonders for the soul. So get up, put on your shoes, and get outside. And please, don’t take your smart phone with you. Soak up the sun, breath the fresh air, take a walk. Reset yourself. Even just fifteen minutes outside a day can do wonders.
2. Disconnect Regularly. Whether it’s for an hour a day, or an entire day, weekend, etc. Don’t overthink it, just do it. Give your brain a break. Draw, color, take up a new hobby . . . do something, anything, creative. Creative tasks are like a vacation for your brain. They help you refocus.
3. Practice Gratitude. There are so many benefits of gratitude. Gratitude reminds us of the many blessings we have in our lives. While social media can often create information overload and feed into the trap of comparison, gratitude helps us focus on the things and people we are thankful for. Gratitude brings us joy, helps us focus on what is important, and realigns us with our values.
4. Be Mindful of Notifications. You’re not one of Pavlov’s dogs. You don’t need a buzz, a bell, a duck quack, or whatever other sound of your choosing dinging from your cell phone for every news alert, text, call, etc. Shut the sound off. Mindful notification settings will encourage you to check in on your terms.
5. Practice Digital Minimalism. Do you really need thirty apps on your phone? Five streaming networks? Keep only those that add meaning, joy, and purpose to your life. Get rid of the rest.
6.Set Intentions. Reflect on why and how you use technology. Sometimes, we have to use it for our job, or maybe it’s the only way to stay in touch with loved ones that live faraway. Remember: technology is a tool and it can be enjoyed, but like all things, it needs a limit. You don’t need to be scrolling on TikTok all hours of the night. Get some sleep!
7. Reclaim Your Mornings. Try to resist the urge to check your phone first thing. Instead, start your day with something mindful like stretching, journaling, having a quiet cup of tea or other drink of choice before the hustle and bustle starts. This can set a peaceful tone for your day vs an anxious one.
8. Blue light blockers. If you are on the computer past sundown, try using some blue light blocking glasses. Wearing blue light blocking glasses can help reduce eye strain, decrease digital eye fatigue and even improve sleep by preventing blue light from interfering with melatonin production.
9. Stop Thinking You Must Consume Everything. You don’t HAVE to read every book on your nightstand or listen to every podcast on your list. Really.
10. Be Easy on Yourself. If you’ve set a digital detox goal and fail, brush it off, and try again. Any reprieve from the constant flow of data is a success. Even just five minutes can help realign your focus, build a positive habit, and serve as a role model to others.
Final Tip: So long as you are mindful of the need to unplug, you’ll find yourself doing it more. The more you reset, the better you’ll feel. Soon, you won’t even have to think about it.
I hope these tips are helpful! Now, get off the computer and get some sunlight!
Till Next Time,
Sarah
AKA A Busy Lady
P.S. Some exciting news! Rebel Writers: The Genius Behind the Pen is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.Org (including The Frost Place -Robert Frost Museum which is selling it at Bookshop.org!), The Harvard Bookstore, Booksamillion, and more! Don’t miss out on this pocket of inspiration to fuel your own creative genius through the steps of literary heroes.
P.P.S. I’ve got lots more events coming up for my novel, All These Threads of Time. Check out my website to stay up to date. I am adding events all the time!
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Swire, P., & Kennedy-Mayo, D. (2020). U. S. Private-Sector Privacy, third edition: Law and Practice for Information Privacy Professionals.
Id.
Burkeman, O. (2024). Meditations for Mortals: Four weeks to embrace your limitations and make time for what counts. Random House.
Great tips. NYC is having sunny 75 degree days October and November. With the leaves changing it’s so nice to get outside to enjoy it.
Super helpful post - thank you!!