We’re all glued to our screens— you know it, I know it, we all know it. Whether for work or play (*cough*, scrolling on Tinder for hours), technology is a constant presence in our lives. While it makes things easier and keeps us connected, too much screen time can lead to stress, anxiety, a lack of focus and it can really impact our relationships too. That’s where digital detoxing comes in.
What is a Digital Detox?
Digital detoxing means taking a break from technology altogether to reduce stress and boost mental health. It can be as simple as regular short breaks or as drastic as unplugging for a longer period. Either way, digital detoxing helps recharge your mind, reduce stress, and improve your overall well-being
8 Simple Steps for a Digital Detox
1. Take Periodic Breaks From Technology
An entry-level step, but an important one. Have you ever noticed that if you accidentally leave your phone at home when popping to the shops, you keep reaching for it regardless? That’s not great. You can start yourself off easy by having 30-minute breaks where you leave your phone in another room.
2. Turn Off Push Notifications
Struggling to ignore your phone with all those push notifications? Especially now we also wear smartwatches, you can sometimes feel like you can’t get away. Kickstart your digital detox by turning off alerts for non-essential apps. Do you really need every Instagram like? Probably not. But real-time alerts for important emails? Absolutely. Choose which notifications matter and schedule specific times to check the rest.
3. Avoid Unimportant Digital Meetings
Are you working online and everyone can see your location or status? Maybe it’s time to change that. For example, you can change your status when you’re not working or on a break. Plus, you can change location with VPN so you’re not followed by unimportant conversations. You can choose one of the vpn location in VeePN and set it up on social networks, messengers, and other services. You can hold more important meetings in person, which takes more time but gives better results.
4. Limit Certain Apps
Apple iPhone users can utilise Screen Time and Downtime (found in settings) to manage app usage and set time limits. Google device users have a similar feature called Digital Wellbeing. Research indicates that individuals who use these features experience less problematic smartphone use and report better well-being compared to those who don’t.
5. Digital Detox Weekend Away
If you’re feeling really bougie, then you can also check out Unplugged Rest, who offer digital detox cabins where you can stay for the weekend, lock your phones in a box that they provide and enjoy nature. Their cabins are truly stunny, and it makes for a perfect date weekend too.
6. Designate Device-Free Zones
Creating tech-free zones in your home can make digital detox easier. Instead of avoiding the internet for an hour, choose specific areas to keep device-free. For example, keep your phone out of the kitchen to enjoy cooking and eating with loved ones. Or, ban laptops and gaming devices from the bedroom to wind down better before sleep. By setting these boundaries, you can enjoy your space more without reaching for your phone.
7. Mindful Use of Devices
You don’t have to cut out screens completely. Technology is important for remote work, staying connected with loved ones, and unwinding. However, if you’re constantly doomscrolling or mindlessly browsing, it could harm your mental health.
Be mindful of when you reach for your device out of boredom or for a dopamine hit. Use your screen time purposefully. Want to check if that new movie your friend recommended is playing nearby? Go ahead. Opening Twitter for the tenth time to follow a celebrity’s viral mishap? That might not be the best choice.
8. Schedule Internet Time Outs
You control your devices—not the other way around. Take charge by giving them a time-out when needed. Want to enjoy a family movie without distractions? Pause the internet on your mobile devices for the duration of the film. Need to focus on writing without social media interruptions? Give your laptop an internet break for an hour.
With HomePass, you can easily set time-outs and internet freezes for specific devices or household members with a tap. Schedule these breaks in your calendar to ensure no internet usage during dinner or 30 minutes before bed. This way, you can spend quality time with family, finish that offline project, or enjoy moments with friends without the digital noise.
The Bottom Line
Two-thirds of all people either never resort to digital detox or do it no more than once a month. This is the main reason for many psychological disorders: from depression to low self-esteem and constant boredom. We all need to implement the practice of digital detox to balance our physical and digital lives.
Let us know some of your tips by commenting below.
Team Nonchalant x
This article was written by one of our creative team writers here at Nonchalant Magazine.
