A digital detox refers to a period of time when a person refrains from using tech devices such as smartphones, televisions, computers, tablets, and social media sites. “Detoxing” from digital devices is often seen as a way to focus on real-life social interactions without distractions. By forgoing digital devices, at least temporarily, people can relieve stress that stems from constant connectivity.
Signs You Might Need a Digital Detox
⦁ You may feel anxious or stressed out if you can't find your phone
⦁ You constantly check your phone every few minutes
⦁ You can feel depressed or anxious after spending time on social media
⦁ You’re afraid that you'll miss something if you don't keep checking your device
⦁ You often find yourself staying up late or getting up early to check your phone
⦁ You have trouble concentrating on one thing without having to check your phone
To help digitally detox, follow these easy steps to allow yourself to decompress.
⦁ Set boundaries: Only allow phone usage in one area of the home.
⦁ Turn off notifications: While eating dinner or sitting down to relax, turn on “Do not
Disturb” for a set amount of time.
⦁ Turn on screen time: Hold yourself accountable for the duration of time you spend with technology.
⦁ Delete distracting apps: If you have deadlines to meet, delete apps you constantly check to avoid being preoccupied.
⦁ Set a brief time to put your phone away each hour. If your phone is out of sight, you are less likely to be distracted.
⦁ Set rules for “One Screen” – If watching TV, stick to that. Do not spend time on your phone while watching TV, etc.
⦁ The smart pulse oximeter is a great way to spend smart phone time.
⦁ When you are constantly checking your phone, you are letting other people decide how your time is spent – not you.
The American Psychological Association released a study called Stress in America: Coping with Change. An interesting statistic noted that “8 in 10 Americans are attached to their gadgets on a typical day (86 percent say they constantly or often check their emails, texts and social media accounts).”
“Constant checkers also reported a higher average level of stress related to technology during the past month than their non-constant checking peers. Among employed Americans who check their work email constantly on non workdays, their reported overall stress level is 6.0.”
Practicing yoga and meditation are great ways to use your digital detoxing time productively.
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