In these times of permanent connection and constant demand many of us attach their self-worth to external sources, may they be called work, family or friends. Apparently there is no time left for the 'small voice inside' asking for our self-determined emotional, physical and spiritual health. It is simply drowned out by a constant noise we believe we not only can handle but also desperately need. Some need a real crash to experience the futility of such behavior, some confront the danger of burn out before it actually happens.

Now we imagine a Digital Detox to be the solution. This means you get off the grid by turning off all smartphones, tablets, laptops, and computers for a certain length of time. Some suggest a 24 hour abstinence could do the trick. While it may be useful to observe and note all your addictive thoughts and feelings, a real detachment won't happen in such a period of time because at first all 'things that have to be done' will bleed into those 24 hours (minus sleeping time anyway) and after a quite short relaxation (if so at all) the mental preparation for 'what will have to be done' kicks in.

We may have switched off our electronic devices but as the addicts most of us are (including the pretension that we are not) we basically stay connected internally most or all of the time. So the formula: switch off, relax, reboot really is pretty un-realistic.

More effective might be to find a challenge that you commit to for 30 days (or more). It should be a challenge that inspires and motivates you and doesn't depend on electronic devices, such as creative, educational or spiritually motivated activities. Have you not always wanted to play the flute or learn Japanese or Qi Gong? Whatever it is, when you commit to a certain time on a daily basis for such a personal practice un-related to any electronic connectedness this should be fun and fulfilling.

Challenges that you feel inspired about and chose for yourself are able to provide a sense of being home and a deep satisfaction. While you are doing your challenge, new interesting questions may arise and at the end of the 30 days period you may feel quite a mix of relaxation and achievement at the same time.

This kind of co-existence between your regular work and inspired self-chosen activity may also trigger questions for more healthy changes in your life.

And that can't be bad either.