Have you tried and failed to carry out a digital detox in the past? Then here’s five digital detox top tips that might just make it easier than you think
What’s you daily screen time number? Do you even know how many minutes a day you spend mindlessly scrolling? Check it out and then ask yourself seriously if you need to think about a digital detox – and then be realistic. This isn’t about completely banning technology from your life, it’s about finding that sweet spot which allows you to stay connected without losing sight of your personal life. So, with that in mind, here’s some digital detox top tips.
Make a list
List all the gadgets you use on a daily basis in order how much you use them. Then make a list of all the things you wish you had time to do, maybe go to a yoga class, read a book or cook healthy lunches for the week ahead. Seeing how much you rely on technology and how much time you’re possibly wasting will help you commit. Likewise, seeing a list of things you want to do will keep the motivation high.
Be realistic
Do you really need to be checking emails outside work or do you just do it from habit? Is it practical to not use the alarm clock on your phone or your SleepCycle app just because it’s classes as digital? By being realistic about what digital aids add to your life and what ones have become a time suck, you’ll be able to look at the realities of your digital use. In a nutshell, don’t set unrealistic targets about how much you’re going to change your digital footprint.
Take baby steps
Cutting out all forms of social media in one giant sweep is going to be hard, especially if you genuinely use these platforms to keep in touch with friends. Instead, start to limit your time and slowly decrease your daily usage from there. Maybe check Facebook once in the morning and again at lunchtime? Likewise, look at what you use the platforms for and ask are you doubling up? Once you have a clear idea of why and how you use different platforms it will be easier to take a step back.
Turn off notifications
Be present, give those in your company 100% of your attention, which is hard to do if your phone is constantly beeping with messages, emails and alerts. So, turn off notifications. That way when you do start to relax while out with friends, or to pay attention to conversation over dinner, you won’t be distracted by a buzzing in your pocket. It will also help you prioritise.
Ask for help
Tell friends you’re trying to reduce usage and ask them to help you stay on track. The more people know what you’re trying to do the more they’ll be watching, which means you’ll be less likely to give into temptation for fear of letting them down.
