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Is your phone the first thing you reach for in the morning? Do you keep getting the urge to check your phone from time to time? Do you get overly anxious whenever your phone is about to go off? If so, this could be a sign that you need to take a break from your gadget.
Even if you do not experience the cases above, a little break from digital screens can be good for your mental and physical health. By constantly engaging on your screen for long periods, you are unable to be completely present.
Below are some of the ways you can have a phone detox.
Take Work Breaks Away from Screens
Do you find yourself reaching for your phone whenever you are a few minutes into work? Social media may have a way to keep people connected, but it is also addictive. Challenge yourself to avoid your phone in your workspace unless it’s an emergency.
Try a New App
Even as we encourage you to stay off your phone, adding new applications seems counterproductive. There are new applications that can help you minimize the time you spend on your phone. Applications such as Space App enable users to know about their phone usage and keep track of the time they spend on it.
Do a 30-day Detox
You can try staying off your phone, mainly social media, for thirty days. We understand that this is not easy, so you could just start slow. Try to use the 1:1 rule to train yourself. The 1:1 rule is to go offline for one hour before bedtime daily and one hour in the middle of the day.
The 1:1 rule helps you cultivate a routine where you can stay away from your phone and focus on other matters. You will find that it gets easier to detach from your phone. You may also notice an improvement in your mood and energy levels.
Turn Off Notifications
No matter how strong-willed you are not to check your phone, you may find yourself giving in to notifications. Notifications are distractive and can stand in the way of your digital detox.
Try to turn off all your notifications that may lure you into touching your phone. Notifications increase the amount of time one spends on their phone. By turning off your notifications, you will only get to use your phone when you need to.
Go Back To Pen And Paper
Our smartphones come with several applications. These applications are convenient as you can do more on one gadget. However, this is also a challenge as you are easily distracted from what you want to focus on.
Many people use their smartphones as their calendars and notebooks. These applications may keep them using the phone even after completing their intended task. To start your detox, you can buy a physical calendar and a notebook that will help you avoid your phone.
Use these materials to record notes and mark important days. By doing so, you will significantly minimize the amount of time you spend on your phone. You may also realize that in the process, your memory could also improve.
Using physical materials will train your mind to constantly remember checking the notes to avoid forgetting important dates or items.
Put Brakes On Your Social Media
Try implementing paced-out breaks to your social media usage. Make sure that you take time off social media. One way to do this is to set timers on your social media accounts. Once the stipulated amount of time is over, the application will automatically lock itself. Such breaks will ensure you minimize the time spent using your device.
You can also take longer breaks where you don’t use your social media. These breaks could help get a digital detox, especially if your source of income is not from social media.
In Conclusion
Suppose you are feeling overwhelmed and exhausted by the constant use of digital gadgets. You can try incorporating the tips above to help you undertake your digital detox. By making these detox, you will realize that you’re able to enjoy your everyday activities. Put that phone down and take that break today.
