Digital Detox: Why I chose to disconnect with the phone and connect with life?
How hard it is to imagine life without our smartphones, isn’t it? Now that a majority of us are hooked to them, there seems hardly a waking (perhaps, even sleeping) moment that we can keep away. Let’s admit it- we are addicted and there are verified stats that establish this fact. Surveys have reported that an average person checks the phone almost 200 times a day, which comes to once in about every 6.5 minutes! And surprisingly, 1 in 4 people spend more time online than they do asleep.
Digital detox is a term that has been coined to explain the journey that takes people away from their smartphones, back to their real connections. Recently, I read the book “OFF” by Tanya Goodin that inspired me to try a detox on myself. Amazingly, as I decided to unplug for a few hours in a day, it felt like reclaiming my own life. Now that I have experienced the healing effects of digital detox, here are a few tips I have to share for those looking to purge their lives from the deadly smartphone effect:
Start small: Since keeping your smartphone away seems so impossible, I suggest that you try starting small. Ditching the screen for the night at least or having a phone-free weekend, are a few good ideas. Or you can simply try to increase the gap between your “back to phone” moments.
De-clutter your phone: Uninstall all the apps that keep you stuck to your phone. A majority of us are habitual to going back to the phone time and again to check our social media accounts. I cant recommend deleting them as I am blogger myself but following some social media free time and keeping the addictiveness in control is very important
Practice self-discipline: There is a need to practice self-discipline, overcome the temptation and stick to the detox plan. Countries like Japan encourage digital detox by conducting special tours where people are supposed to relinquish their devices before starting a nature walk.
Involve others: Have a detox buddy or get the entire family to take the digital detox plan. This brings people closer, as they can connect with each other rather than be glued to their device screens even when out for dinners or in social gatherings.
Keep them out of sight: The best way is to keep your smartphone out of sight so that it gets out of mind. And you can share an alternative way to get in touch if someone might need to get in touch “just in case”.
Don’t these simple tricks make digital detox sound easier? Believe me, they do make it easier! As we step into the New Year, let’s all make the resolution to try these so that we can disconnect and get connected with life once again.
