Disconnect

What drives our constant urge to check our phones? Whether it’s the allure of a dopamine hit from notifications, the fear of missing out (FOMO), or the anxiety of neglecting something important, digital addiction has become a pervasive concern. Is it also the habit of distraction? I can be so easily distracted, but how often do we stop and consciously understand “what” it is that distracts us?

Digital Detox

Before leaving New Zealand, I decided to use the 3 days in Kruger for a Digital Detox by staying completely offline. My only need my phone was for photos, so that was plan, flight mode all the way! I informed my clients, colleagues, and family about this plan and took considerable time to turn off notifications across multiple Microsoft Teams environments.

To be honest, it was challenging! I often set good intentions to disconnect. I get part of the way, with an attempt, to stop compulsively checking for emails and messages, but I struggle to follow through.

It isn’t just about reducing screen time—it’s about reclaiming control over our attention and well-being.

Kruger

Kruger is the perfect place to disconnect and truly reconnect with yourself. Spanning nearly 20,000 square kilometres, it’s one of Africa’s largest game reserves. To visit is a rare privilege, an experience many never have. For those who call it home, perhaps its wonder becomes part of the everyday—but for visitors, its wild beauty is simply unforgettable.

One thing I found so amazing, was being able to  watch these animals roam freely and all together. This experience contrasted sharply with my upbringing, where visits to the zoo involved seeing individual animals, such as a single giraffe in an enclosure, separated from others.

In Kruger, you can only drive at 50kph, and all the time is spent with eyes glued to the landscape scanning for animals, staying fully engaged for hours! You didn’t want to miss anything; a tower of giraffes, hundreds of impalas, herds of zebras and wildebeest, elephants and warthogs, monkeys and baboons, my list was growing. They all moved steadily, gracefully, at their own pace, without need for rushing, through the foliage and across roads to waterholes, their social hub.

It all kept us 100% present for the experience.

But the detox became more than that….

The silence, away from city lights, no news, no TV’s, no WIFI. Just nature and observing, soaking in every precious moment. The restaurants had no music, instead we listened to hippos revving up (or at least it sounded like that!) and birdlife and talked quietly to each other.

Time moved at its own pace. My only commitment (self-made) was leaving the park, when it opened at 6am, to sip coffee, savour sunrise, and see the wildlife starting their day. Both days we were lucky to see lions.

Reconnect

When you disconnect from the digital world, you reconnect with your authentic self.  

It felt like breaking free from the grip of technology. It is in the absence of constant notifications and endless scrolling that one begins to rediscover the beauty of the moment, the clarity of thought, and the joy of human connection. Taking a break from screens—whether you choose it or just end up that way—is honestly one of the best things you can do for yourself. Stepping back from all the digital noise lets you slow down, reset, and suddenly, you start noticing little things and fresh ideas just pop up.

Let go of the need to control everything and allow the present moment to fill your senses.

What now?

Coming home always gives me a renewed appreciation, for our beautiful Aotearoa, my home and the life we live, friends and family. It is also a great time to reset old habits, including those of distraction.

I want to carry forward the essence of “reconnection”. For me, this is reminding myself of the importance of the “moments in between” ; taking time to go outside as the sun rises and be fully present, finding joy in a kind greeting or wishing someone else a great day, adoring my dog and being in awe of the growth in our garden.

Setting aside time enables new ideas (and habits) to emerge. When I pause, creativity flows, bringing order to the chaos of daily life.

🌿 Digital Detox Tips

1. Schedule Screen-Free Time
   Designate specific hours in your day—like during meals or the first hour after waking—for zero screen use.
2. Use Tech-Free Zones
   Keep devices out of bedrooms, bathrooms, and dining areas to encourage presence and relaxation.
3. Turn Off Non-Essential Notifications
   Disable alerts from social media, promotional apps, and other non-urgent sources to reduce distractions.
4. Set App Limits
   Use built-in tools like Screen Time (iOS) or Digital Wellbeing (Android) to cap usage on addictive apps.
5. Practice Mindful Transitions
   Before switching tasks or checking your phone, take a deep breath and ask yourself if it’s necessary.
6. Engage in Offline Activities
   Replace screen time with hobbies like reading, gardening, journaling, or walking in nature.
7. Try a Digital Sabbath
   Challenge yourself to dedicate one day a week to unplug completely—no phones, laptops, or streaming.
8. Use Analog Alternatives
   Opt for physical books, paper planners, or printed maps to reduce reliance on screens.
9. Monitor Emotional Triggers
   Notice when you’re reaching for your device out of boredom, stress, or habit—and redirect that energy.
10. Connect Face-to-Face
    Prioritise in-person interactions over digital ones to strengthen relationships and reduce isolation.