Digital Detox: Tips to Reduce Tech Time

Technology is not going anywhere. If anything, our lives are becoming more tech involved each day. It seems that the alerts and notifications never end. The average adult checks their phone 50 to 300 times a day, David Greenfield says, a psychologist and assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of Connecticut. The key to staying grounded and more relaxed in the digital age is to take time to unplug, reduce tech time, and regularly perform a digital detox.

How to Do a Digital Detox

Practice these tech-free habits that can improve all aspects of life.

Health

Technology has begun to increase concerns around our health. By constantly checking our devices or feeling the need to be connected at all times, we become panicky and feel lost without our gadgets, thus causing our body stress. Electronic devices can also negatively affect our posture, eyes, and minds.

What can you do about it?

• Consider a detox once a week. Some families power down their devices for an entire day or a few hours to focus on spending time and talking to one another face to face.
• Turn off push notifications that entice you to check your phone every time you hear a ring.
• When out to lunch or dinner, leave your phone in the car so you can enjoy a device-free meal.

Safety

According to ATT’s It Can Wait campaign, 75% of teens state texting while driving is very unsafe, yet 43% admit to still doing it. Distracted driving is a massive problem that can harm our safety and the safety of others. Instead of using your phone while driving, take this time to relax and practice patience.

What can you do about it?

• Keep your phone in your purse, pocket, or center console while you drive. You are less likely to check your phone if it is out of site.
• Switch your phone on silent so you won’t be tempted to check any text messages received.
• You can completely turn your phone off while you drive.

Well-being

Although technology has given people the ability to communicate more easily, it is also a big reason for feeling disconnected at times. When you’re in a social setting or spending time with family at home, you are often aimlessly browsing through your phone instead of interreacting with the people around you.

What can you do about it?

• Don’t be on your phone for at least one hour before you go to bed. Instead, read a traditional book before bedtime.
• Regulate yours and your children’s tech time by setting a maximum amount of time you can be on your devices a day.
• Set a time each night that you and your partner spend time together device-free.

Other Digital Detox Tips:

• Unsubscribe from unwanted emails
• Unfollow people who are not your friends or accounts who don’t bring value to your life
• Delete apps you don’t use
• Go for a walk and leave your devices at home
• Turn on airplane mode during your workouts
• Set small goals for yourself such as going 15 minutes without looking at your phone and slowly increasing the time by 5 minutes each day.

By doing a digital detox, you can reduce stress and direct your attention to physical, social interactions. Small steps each day can help you be more present and productive in all areas of your life. Looking for more ways to unplug? Check out Tips for Electronic Etiquette and Mindful Technology Use from The Center for Internet and Technology Addiction. If you are searching for fast, affordable, and reliable gadget repair services, go to CPR Cell Phone Repair! Find a CPR location nearest you.