How to Unplug and Digital Detox In Our Always-On World
We are all guilty of it. Checking our phones at dinner, responding to work emails on the weekend, and spending hours scrolling through social media. It’s no wonder that so many of us feel overwhelmed and stressed out by our always-on digital lives. If you’re ready to take a break from your screen and unplug for a while, read on for tips on how to detox from technology in a healthy way.
Seeing that the internet is easily accessible, many individuals are online for longer periods. The overuse of digital devices can lead to physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion. It is essential to know when to put down the phone and take a break from the digital world.
Here are some tips on how to unplug and digital detox:
1) Schedule some screen-free time
Make sure to schedule some time each day when you’re not allowed to use any screens. This can be for an hour, two hours, or even the entire day. During this time, do something that you enjoy that doesn’t involve a screen, such as reading a book, going for a walk, or talking to friends and family, watching news sport. In fact, most responsible platforms recommend scheduled breaks from the screen.
2) Keep your phone out of reach
To avoid the temptation of checking your phone all the time, keep it out of sight and out of reach. This means putting it in another room or even turning it off completely. If you’re worried about missing important calls, you can always set up an automatic response letting people know that you’re unavailable.
3) Set some ground rules
If you find it difficult to stay away from your screens, set some ground rules for yourself. For example, you could pledge to only use your phone for 30 minutes a day, or only check social media once a day. Once you’ve set these rules, stick to them!
4) Be present
When you’re with other people, make an effort to be present and engaged in the conversation. This means putting away your phone, making eye contact, and really listening to what the other person is saying. If you’re struggling to do this, try setting a rule that you’re not allowed to use your phone at all when you’re around other people.
5) Take a break from social media
If you find yourself mindlessly scrolling through social media, it might be time to take a break. Delete the apps from your phone, or log out of your account completely for a set period of time. This will help you to focus on the present moment and connect with the people and things around you.
6) Find a hobby
If you find that you’re spending too much time on your phone, try to find a hobby that you can do offline. This could be anything from cooking and gardening to hiking and biking. Doing something that you enjoy will help you to relax and de-stress without having to rely on your screens.
7) Get enough sleep
Make sure that you’re getting enough sleep by putting away your screens at least an hour before bedtime. This will help you to relax and unwind so that you can get a good night’s rest.
Final Thoughts
It’s important to take some time away from your screens to relax and recharge. By following these tips, you can unplug and detox from technology in a healthy way. So, make an effort to schedule some screen-free time, keep your phone out of sight, and be present with the people around you. You’ll be surprised at how much better you’ll feel!
