In the digital era today, we are so bombarded with information every single time. No doubt it is helpful, we consume a lot of content via news, social media, all of that digitally. But what if the digital devices from which we consume so much information start consuming us? Not getting my point? Read along, my friend.
Most of us use digital devices almost all day long. For entertainment, knowledge, studies, news, work, and what not! We are so dependent on digital devices that it’s important for us to maintain a healthy relationship with technology. The overuse of digital devices will take away the connections we have in real life, decrease our productivity level, will leave no space for our creativity, and affect our mental, physical, spiritual health. There is so much more around us than the Internet and technology.
But does that mean we should give up on technology? Absolutely No, it’s not practically possible to avoid it completely because it’s beneficial too. The real idea is to know when to unplug and take a break. Some short breaks over a regular period of time will keep you sane and will help you to build a good work-life balance.
So, here we introduce you to the concept of Digital Detox.
What is Digital Detox?
Digital detox is a procedure in which we refrain ourselves from using any digital devices periodically. It helps us to create a healthy environment for ourselves mentally, physically, and emotionally. It’s a short break from digital devices to focus on other important aspects of our lives.
Why is it important/Why we need a digital detox?
The continuous use of technology may result in serious health problems. It may increase stress levels and leave you uneasy and tired.
Below are some benefits you will have if you bring in this detoxification in your lifestyle.
1. It gives you enough time and energy to connect with other important aspects of your life.
2. It will give enough space to your creative head. You can discover new hobbies and passions when you spend enough time with your creative thoughts.
3. Doing digital detox periodically will keep you away from being burnout or any kind of mental stress.
4. A digital detox will decrease the chances of depression and loneliness. 5. Using fewer digital devices, you will experience a better body posture and improved sleep quality.
Now, let’s move on to how you can do a digital detox. Below are some proven methods to do a digital detox.
8 proven successful methods to do a digital detox:
1. Know when to unplug
Dedicating more than the required time to your digital devices is not ideal. You should know when it’s not important and unplug. Avoid using the devices after a certain time. For example, commit to yourself that you will not be using any technology after 7 pm every day. Stick to this for a period of time and you will be amazed to see the result.
2. Don’t use the phone unless absolutely necessary
Many of us use the devices as a part of our work and it’s practically not possible to avoid them completely for a day. Under these circumstances, you should ONLY use your phone when absolutely necessary. Don’t use your phone for mindless scrolling, entertainment, or anything for which you have an alternative available.
3. Don’t rely on digital devices for everything, use papers wherever you can
As everything is going digital, it becomes tough to keep ourselves away from using these devices and technology over time. While digital is the new normal, we shouldn’t rely on them for everything we do. Use paper pens or other alternatives wherever possible. For example, avoid reading news from any app or TV. Buy a newspaper and read from it. This will help you to maintain a healthy relationship with technology.
4. Track your screen time
Always track your screen time, you must know where your time is going and what is it that’s taking away most of your time and energy. If you find yourself using your phone for more than 5-6 hours a day, we have a problem, my friend. Track your screen time and see what alternative you have instead of using your phone for that many hours.
5. Have meals without watching any video/web series
Calling out to all the youngsters, I know we love to watch web series while having meals but trust me it isn’t healthy. To do a digital detox, you need to keep your phone away
while you have your meals. Focus 100% on your food and you will be amazed to see the health benefits you will have from this minor change in your routine.
6. Have a ‘No Technology’ time slot in your daily schedule
Staying away from technology for days or weeks may not be possible for most of you. In this case, taking care of your physical and mental being may become difficult. At these times, keep a room of ‘NO technology’ in your schedule. For example, you can decide to not use your phone 2 hours after you wake up, during your meals, and 2 hours before you go to bed. These can be your ‘NO Technology’ time slots in your daily schedule. This will give you enough time and space to keep yourself sane.
7. Declutter your devices
Having unnecessary notifications, emails, messages, etc is a source of distraction. Declutter your phone to keep the unnecessary notification away which increases your screen time and disturbs your mental peace.
● Delete apps that don’t serve your purpose.
● Log out of social media platforms, login only during the dedicated time slot or during a break
● Unsubscribe from email newsletters you don’t read anymore
8. Design a set of rules for yourself
Design some strict rules for yourself to do a successful digital detox. For example, reward yourself when you do a good job and punish yourself when you don’t follow your commitments. This will help you to stick to your commitments and perform a better successful digital detox.
In the end, it’s all about how true you are towards yourself and how much you care about your own health. Not doing any of it will affect no one but YOU!
So for your own good, try these effective detox steps and let us know what changes you experienced in your life.
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