Escapes | How to digital detox

By Yawn Team
October 12, 2015

#ESCAPES

Ok, I hold my hands up. I'm a self-confessed social media addict, especially since starting my blog "There goes Claire" but sometimes we have to be a little more disciplined when it comes to the wind down, especially when scheduling life around the day job. With FOMO (fear of missing out) breathing heavy on our necks daily, it can become increasingly tricky to “trash the tech” to give ourselves a little head space.

Did you know that artificial lighting from our gadgets and gismos throw off “blue light?” Relentless screen gazing before we grab some shut-eye is one of the top offenders killing our sleep life. Recent research confirms that not only are we generally sleeping less, but as technology and connectivity increase, the overall quality of sleep that we receive is falling. So, whilst maxing out our "blue light" kick during the day keeps us alert and awake, all things point towards a necessary intervention in our down time to encourage us to begin the digital detox.

So, where do we start?

Tea-time

No-one appreciates a hot cuppa as much as I do and I think those who scrap their caffeine intake after dinner hours might be onto something here. My top pick would be sipping a cup of sweet chamomile courtesy of new London brand, Joe's Tea Company. Believe me, this Joe is far from average.

"I love my tea-breaks and struggle without them!" - Wordpress developer, Steve Sims

This quirky brand reminds us of everything it is to be quintessentially British, minus the fuss. At the end of the day, nothing in life is better than a good quality brew. Make sure your cupboard is stacked so that when life gets too intense, you can take things down a gear, calm your mind and enjoy some tranquil-tea.

Me time

I heart lists. Journal junkies and list lovers alike will tell you that there is nothing more satisfying than a tidy mind. Our mental space is precious and provides countless rewards to those who opt to splurge on paper when they need a moment to free up their thoughts. Whether you seek to end each day with a “Dear Diary” or find it helpful to beat those Sunday blues by planning out your week, it’s up to you. You wouldn’t sleep in a rubbish tip, so when you clear out the clutter it is much easier to feel at peace.

3. Tub time

Recently I have sought help from Scottish aromatherapy gurus, Beatitudes in my search for a little more solace. Jump into the tub and pop a few drops of the "Peace" oil into the water and swirl. It really is that simple. Packed full with essential oils like Ylang Ylang, Lavender, Mandarin, Petitgrain and Cedarwoood, this doesn't simply smell incredible but it will leave your skin supple, smooth and hydrated without leaving you feelin' all grease lightening. There is something extra special about inhaling the aroma as you relax to soothe any aches and pain and ease the stresses of the daily grind.

If you prefer something a little more uplifting then reach for their "Joy" oil. It is brimming with citrus fragrance and essential oils like Orange, Mandarin, Petitgrain, Grapefruit and Bergamot to bring back a little of your perk. All that is left is to accessorise your bath with a calming face mask and cup of camomile so you are set to enjoy your little safe haven retreat.

The Threads

I can often be found making a mad dash home from the office to slip into something a little more comfortable. Reaching for my adorable loungewear bag, there is nothing quite like doing a quick change after a long day faster than it takes for the kettle to boil, am I right? NEVER underestimate the value of reaching for your favourite comfies. My must have jammies from Yawn have to be 'Where The Heart Is'. Home is where we feel most relaxed and truly ourselves, so there is no shame in that and we would do well to “own” it. If home is where the heart is, as the saying goes, pyjama time may just be the most important time of all. Leave your cares at the office and shake it off. A girls gotta do what a girls gotta do…

5. The ZZZs

You’ve shut down, sipped, soaked and scribbled. So finally, I would personally recommend working some lavender into the mix. The Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, Sleep Balm or Deep Sleep Stress Less Roll On from This Works all work wonderfully. A happy blend of lavender, vetivert and wild camomile will help you drift off into natural slumber and leave you feeling rested, awake and refreshed. Freshen up your laundry drawer and leave a sweet aroma around your space with a Yawn Lavender Bag. Use either the balm or rollerball from the same range to rub into your pulse points for an extra boost. You can also place a Yawn lavender bag under your pillow to increase the effect. Who would have thought that our snouts hold the key to successful slumber? Lavender decreases heart rate, blood pressure and relaxes us into a sleepy state so it is a great idea to use some of these in our night-time routine.

Switch off, tune out and power down-sometimes we just need to pull the plug…