Be honest with yourself: when was the last time you looked at a screen?
These days it is almost impossible to spend a moment without technology.
For many of us, it has become a natural reaction to periodically check our phones (like yawning).
We mindlessly and repetitiously flick through our social media apps with no real purpose.
In fact, the average person spends a total of 6 hours and 57 minutes looking at a screen each day for internet-connected activities (source: comparitech.com).
This includes 2 hours and 27 minutes of scrolling through social media channels, 1 hour and 33 minutes of streaming music and 55 minutes listening to podcasts.
Yes, technology has some wonderful benefits and most of us cannot imagine life without it.
But it is becoming increasingly obviously that the world is developing an unhealthy attachment to it.
In this blog, we discuss the importance of disconnecting from your technology and share some simple ways that you can do this without it becoming an impossible task.
There are plenty of benefits to reducing your screen time. Powering-down can:
How then, in our ever-connected word, can we take a moment for ourselves and intentionally unplug?
We recommend trying some of these tips:
That first hour is in your power
During the first hour of your day, avoid looking at your phone, or any screen for that matter (laptop, television etc). Start your day elsewhere, such as making breakfast and enjoying it on your back verandah, reading a book, meditate or spending it with your loved ones. Blocking out that first hour can help you gain focus on the rest of the day and how you will spend it.
Power-down for a set period of time each day
Select a time of the day where you will intentionally power-down, in addition to the first hour of your day. For example: you might disconnect during your lunch break at work and go for a walk, or separate yourself from your screen time to spend some quality time with the kids in the afternoon. The timing doesn’t matter. What does matter is that you create a defining period of time where you are in the moment without distraction.
Focus mode
These days most smartphones come with a focus mode which allows you to tailor your smartphone to alert you of certain notifications during certain times of the day. Setting up a focus mode on your phone, means that you won’t become distracted by notifications, phone calls or messages during your down time. You can schedule your focus time for certain times of the day so that you’re not tempted to check your phone the instant it lights up.
Go off the grid one day a week
While it might seem scary at first, a tech-free day is one of the best ways to boost your wellbeing, unleash your creativity, and try new things. For an effective day off, let your friends know ahead of time that you won’t be contactable unless it is an emergency. Take the day to go to the beach, visit a farmers’ market, experiment in the kitchen or read. It might be challenging at first to resist the temptation of technology, but it will be worth it when you’re living in the moment doing something other than staring at your screen.
Practice mindfulness or meditation
During your digital detox, take some time to practice mindfulness or meditation. Make an effort to be aware of what’s going on around you: sounds, smells as well as sight. Try mindfulness for just 10 minutes a day and build it up over time. You will notice a great deal of difference in your overall wellbeing.
If you find that you are struggling with your ability to disconnect from technology and feel that it is taking a toll on your mental wellbeing, contact us today.