With so much overlapping the digital world with our real and physical world in the last decades, it is increasingly difficult to divide between the two domains. The result is that we are confused about what is good for us. We are so accustomed to logging on online to “communicate” with others without realizing that we are eating the time we could have used to interact in person.
Instead of going out to explore and experience the real world, we take the easy solution by sitting in front of a screen all day long. Such symptoms require a technological detoxification. For this to work, the best solution is to appreciate the beauty of a world without technology. Note that although the idea is not to condemn the whole technology; is to create that awareness in you that technology is not all you need to complete your life.
You can reduce your technology addiction. Below are some helpful tips to help you disconnect a few hours a day – to improve your health and clear your head.
Take a break in social media
While Facebook and Instagram are perfectly fine taking over your life, both have a smooth side; they allow you to deactivate your account without actually canceling them and starting from scratch. Avoiding social media is the most important step you can take during any technological detox. Disable your Facebook and Instagram accounts and remove all social apps from your smartphone. Do this for only a week. You’ll be amazed at how much beautiful thing there is around.
Do not use your phone before bed
One of the worst habits and signs of technological dependence is the use of a smartphone or laptop in bed or anywhere in your home just before bedtime. The blue lights emitting the LED screens interfere with the production of melatonin in your brain causing havoc in your sleep. If you are not comfortable disconnecting yourself from the technology all day, at least do it at the end of each day to relax the brain. Read a book instead. You might be able to breathe aroma therapy with quality glass bongs.
Do not use your smartphone when you go on vacation
If you are leaving the country or even the city, do not give in to the temptation to check your work email or use your camera frantically. Turning technology off during the holidays is crucial. Leave the phone in your hotel room, or use it only for emergencies.
Make plans and set goals
Unless you’re really disciplined, chances are you’ll always need something to keep pushing you toward technology independence. Just as an effective diet requires delicate planning, a successful technological detox requires that you create a program of some sort that includes goals of different difficulties. It is up to you how you want to do it, but keep the smart criteria in mind: the objectives must be specific, measurable, accurate, realistic and timely.
Never interrupt conversations with devices
Another strict rule of detoxification should be the practice of polished use of technology. It’s just rude to look at your phone or tablet while talking to someone, but it’s also a sign that you can’t control the use of your device. Make a permanent detox rule never use technology while talking to another person. Even if you’re at work, even if someone else is doing it to you, keep your device out of sight when talking. It will be hard at first, but with practice, you can learn how to make it a habit.
Start living in the real world
Come on, it’s fun. As you begin to realize the richness of the activities you engage offline, such as meeting up with friends for face-to-face conversations (instead of messages in WhatsApp), you will have time for your thoughts. You will become more open to the idea of living with less technology.
