Technology has quickly become the centerpiece of almost everyone’s days. On average, a person watches about four hours of TV per day and uses any sort of digital device, including the computer, for over 17 hours per day.
Right now, take a look around to see how many devices you have near you. These devices could include a phone, a computer, a tablet, a TV, a gaming system or an e-reader. Keep your total in mind; we will come back to it later.
With the increase in technology usage over the past several years, digital detoxes have become a popular and necessary for some to ground themselves and grow their relationships with friends and family members. Thanks to things like social media, texts and emails, it is so easy to become attached to our devices. But these devices can lead to feelings of isolation and make it harder for you to step away and live in the moment you’re physically in.
Stepping away from a specific app or social media platform and setting boundaries for your screen time outside of work can improve your sleep, mood and interaction with others. Doing so can also help you notice whether technology is holding you back from pursuing opportunities, creating deeper relationships with friends and family and having a clearer mind.
How Do You Know If a Digital Detox Is Right for You?
If you’ve experienced any of the below signs, stepping away from technology and social media could benefit you and your daily mood.
- Increase in feelings of depression
- Feeling insecure
- Increase in irritability, frustration or anger
- Loss of sleep or interrupted sleep
- Feeling obligated to respond to messages, create a post or react to something posted online
- Finding yourself ignoring personal or professional obligations
- Reduced physical activity levels
- Neck, shoulder and back pain
- Eye strain and headaches
- Feeling a constant need to check your phone, apps and notifications throughout the day
- Scrolling on your phone while watching TV or completing other tasks
- Frequently using your phone while driving to text, check notifications or scroll social media
Here are some suggestions for getting started:
- Set your goal and time commitments
- Turn off notifications from your apps, which trigger you to look at your phone more
- Set a timer for your screen time; when it goes off, put your device down or make an effort to do something else
- Leave your phone out of the bedroom
- Pay attention to the screen reports your phone provides weekly to help you gauge what apps steal your time
- Plan an activity, like reading or doing a puzzle/something you enjoy, to occupy your mind instead of getting lost in your phone
- Check to see if your phone has a focus mode; this allows you to silence text messages and notifications at specific times of the day so you are not distracted
- Share your goal with friends and family members, and ask for their support
By completing this digital detox, you will feel more in control of your life. Put yourself back in the driver’s seat, take charge of how you spend your time, be intentional and show appreciation for the present moment you’re in.
Take control, choose a goal and start your digital detox today!
By: Alexandra Hoppman