15 Easy Tips To Go On A Digital Detox
A digital detox is a must. While technology is a blessing, too much of something isn’t healthy. Our generation is, what many psychologists refer to as, technology dependent, or not being be to function normally without social media. However – we are STRONG! We are able to break the addictions to technology that our generation faces. Keep reading to discover ways to UNPLUG and RECHARGE your aura with a digital detox!
1. Observe Yourself
Record each time you check your phone during the time frame of 24 hours or have an impulse to check your phone device, etc. You may be shocked to see how often technology distracts you, and this will reinforce you to make a change and UNPLUG!
2. Cleanse Your Device
Delete old apps and social media accounts that you no longer use. If you haven’t opened the site/app in over two weeks, delete it. Chances are that you aren’t going to miss it, and it will open up more space on your phone (yay, no upgrading phone plans!)
3. Outta Sight, Outta Mind
Sometimes the easiest way to not give in to technology is to simply put it somewhere hidden. While reading or doing homework, put your phone in a drawer or in another room and turn it on silent or vibrate.
4. Detox for Two
Invite a friend to participate in a digital detox with you so that you can reinforce one another and communicate your feelings during the detox. You can even trade technology devices with each other and hide them from one another to prevent any social media peeping!
5. Use Your Hands
If you find that technology distracts you in class, opt to take notes during lectures by hand in a notebook. Handwriting things also aids in memory, according to scientists at UCLA.
6. Schedule in Tech-Time
Schedules do not just work for kindergartners– we can benefit from them too! Bring back the glory days of snack time and nap time by allotting specific increments of time into your day for using technology and social media for recreational usage.
7. Communicate
Many people rely on technology for communication because they lack proper social skills. If this applies to you, or you are just super shy, practice speaking to people in person. Get out there and smile at people, start talking to people in your classes about things you’re comfortable with!
8. Respect Your Mother
Hey, you aren’t the only one who benefits from digital detox, Mother Earth does, too. The amount of electricity used to charge a dead IPhone is 1 kilowatt hour, or “the amount of energy used to power ten 100 watt incandescent light bulbs for one hour,” (Forbes).
9. Make it a Game
Who doesn’t like a challenge? (Okay, me, the girl who quit sports because she felt the competitiveness was bad for the psyche). Grab a pal and see who can go without technology and social media the longest– whoever wins can buy the other a frap at Starbucks (yay)!
10. Up Your Happy Meter
If you still aren’t motivated to ditch your social media, do it for your happiness. Social media tends to force us to compare ourselves to others, and this damages our self-esteem. RECHARGE your self-esteem and focus on YOU, not the random people you follow on the ‘Gram!
11. Excuses
Okay, so your job requires you to always be on a computer. I understand that. Then do the opposite of tip #6 and allot time for you to NOT use your technology. Once you go home for the night, allow your devices to clock out too.
12. It’s Not All or Nothing
Humans are extremists, and this hurts us. Digital Detox is not all of nothing, and every little bit counts. Even just deleting some of the apps that your don’t use, or only using your tablet to take notes for one of your classes is a step in the right direction!
13. Likes + Followers ≠ Worth
Perception is key. If you believe that your worth is based off of likes and followers, you will be more likely to become a phone zombie. Take your eyes off the screen and look around you. YOU determine who you are, not numbers on a screen!
14. Gamers Need Love, Too!
If you are a gamer, chances are you’re doing it because you love that rush of success. Scary as it sounds, the same “rush” is experienced by those who have issues with compulsive gambling. Find joys and excitement in exercise, board games with actual people (gasp!), and team sports.
15. Liberate Yourself!
In the end, you are in charge of your own destiny. Technology does NOT control you, it isn’t even ALIVE! Break the digital chains that bind your beauty, mind, and aura and set yourself free! You’ll be amazed by what you just might find when you aren’t distracted by your screens.
Can you think of any other digital detox strategies?! Comment below!
Featured Image Source: weheartit.com
