5 Ways to Digitally Detox
I can openly admit I spend a lot of time in front of screens, not only because I’m a blogger, but also because in bad times my only communication method with the outside world is via computer or phone.
While the digital age has brought the whole world to our fingertips, it has also brought about an age where a lot of us spend our time attached to some kind of electronic device.
As such, when it comes time to switch off, we often seem unable to completely detach ourselves from social media or emails.
While I’m not that great at spending time “offline” here are five of my tips for those of us who do find it hard.
Set a time to switch off.
Have a think about what you need to do, get it all planned out, add in some leisure time, then a little bit more time for getting distracted by a funny cat or cute dog videos and then decide on your switch-off time.
Experts say making sure you have at least 15 – 30 minutes of wind-down time before bed can really help you sleep, so why not start with that.
After all, it isn’t long and it could even help with a better nights rest.
Make your bedroom an electronic-free zone.
I have to admit, I’ve not really mastered this one myself, especially as I listen to audiobooks, or watch TikTok on my phone before bed.
However, we have removed the TV from the bedroom so at least that is one less temptation around when trying to get to sleep.
Leave your phone at home.
If you’re going out for the day with friends, why not leave your phone behind?
Or if you feel that you may need it for safety reasons (or ringing your lift home) pop it into your bag, but turn it off and enjoy the time of being with other humans.
Set your emails to out of office.
If you’re headed away and the temptation is to check your emails in case something important has arrived and you might just miss out if you don’t let them know you are away.
Then make sure you’re out of office is on, that way everyone will know you will get back to them, but it just may take a little longer than usual.
Tell people what you are up to.
If your worried your friends or family might need to get in touch during your offline time, let them know what you are up to beforehand.
Tell the times you will be switched off between and ask that they only get in touch if they really need to.
I am sure they will understand, in fact, they even might follow your lead and switch off themselves.
The truth is digital detoxing can help with getting you back into a better sleep pattern, which in turn can help with focus and concentration, which in turn can give you more energy to spend time with the people you love. What’s to lose by giving it a try?
Have you ever tried a digital detox, how did you find it?
Fancy checking out another post? Just click here!
Pin it!
I like the idea of setting a time to stop with the digital devices. I tend to forget and spend too much time watching the TV.
Some people spend hours in front of the computer screen, in order to avoid their real life problems. Your article was eye opening for people. Also, a lot people can lack vitamin D , which affect the mood. Check out my blog, if you genuinely love it, please subscribe to my newsletter!
I’m glad this has been mentioned and some great tips.
One of my biggest annoyance in when you are talking to someone or you are out with someone and they are on their phone, I often have games nights with friends and family, a time to play board games or other activities without electronic devices, it is great fun. Unfortunately I feel that quality time away from devices is definitely lacking now-a-days, I admit myself that I do play a part of it, but I live near a playground and even when the sun is shining, it is so sad to see what used to be thriving, you’re lucky to see a few children there.
I must admit, I am tied to the hip with my laptop. I canot imagine going without the Internet for a whole day. Oh the horror lol
You are braver than I! I probably need a digital detox more than most; I am online all the time I’m awake. But I feel so alone when I’m not online (I live in the middle of nowhere and am an expat), all my friends and my whole life is online.
I wish I could be confident in just switching off, even for a day or so, but I fear I would emotionally crack!
I spend far too much time on the internet and with technology in general but there is no way I could survive 24 hours without any tech in my life 😮
I also spend way too much time with technology. When I get the off day that I can take a step away from everything it feels great!
That’s one nice list and you hit them right. I think the only thing I can’t do though is to leave my phone at home. Because I use some apps there whenever I’m out. LOL! And during the time we only had one car, it’s the only means of communication with my husband on when and what time he’s supposed to pick me up. We’ve been doing the no electric stuff thing for awhile now but I still can’t help it. LOL.
I couldn’t do it!
That’s what I need!
I’m on my laptop right up to bed time and I also drink coffee before bed and I wonder why I don’t sleep!?!
Definitely starting my digital detox now !! … good points in this blog !!
Good luck, I hope your digital detox goes well 🙂 x
I work pretty depending on my computer and then come home and spend all my time blogging/watching netflix/talking to my fiance (the only way I can currently is Skype or fb) so I sometimes just get a foggy head and want to scream. I get so fed up of looking at computer screens. I think having a set time of an hour or two where I read, or play piano or just do SOMETHING else I enjoy and turn my phone onto DND mode is so necessary after reading your post. it really hammered home how much screen time I have each day! So bad 🙁
I sometimes have days where I just switch off from the world as I found I was relying too much on my laptop/phone. I just turn them both off, grab a book and have a good old read, spend some time with family… It’s really nice to just switch off and I actually feel better for it x
Sometimes you just have to hit the power button. The devices need a break too! lol Thanks for sharing!
Setting a time to switch off is really important. I have been trying to do that more and more on the weekends when my husband is off.
GREAT tips! I really need to start doing something like this. I especially like the electronic free bedroom idea. It’ll be hard, but I need to try it!
Some excellent advise and as much as I hate to agree I am really bad for not being able to switch off. I need to take your advise.
I spend far too much time in front of the computer but have had to cut down as it is affecting my eyes x
A digital detox is a great idea. I will have to try this on a weekend with my kids.
I really really need to do some of these, our internet died recently and I felt so lost and its only then I realised just how much I used it and the devices around the home.
I should really do this. As long as I get things posted a head of time I know I could do this. My job involves being on the computer, so it would be hard.
I had to do this a few times last month, it can be so exhausting working online for so long.
I really need a digital detox. Especially on weekends, I would just like to get rid of it all for a few days. If I could.
I just did this last month. It was the best medicine anyone could describe. Downtime is much needed and separation from any electronics truly helps.
I would try this one day to test if I can. Though, with so much work lined up I doubt about it. 😐
This is exactly what I need to do but also exactly what I can’t do!! I didn’t really go on Instagram at all yesterday and I felt like I could breathe xD haha!
I think its really important to switch off from time to time from everything digital and actually stand in silence and have some time to think. You’ll be surprised how many good ideas you have when you actually take 10-15 aside and just think. Great Post 🙂
This is a really interesting post with great tips. I’m terrible for going to bed then “reading” my phone for an hour or so! I’ll definitely try switching off x
These are great tips. We really need to unplug and be reconnect with the more important things in life.
I am super guilty of being glued to my phone. I use it for social media for my blog. I also don’t turn off my electronics before bed. I usually work until I can’t keep my eyes open.
These are great suggestions! I really need to set a time to turn everything off. That would be helpful.
These are wonderful tips. I rarely use my gadget in the bedroom. I have also banned the use of anything digital when we’re having dinner or eating out.
This is a great post!
In these days of constant digital distractions, it offers some great advice.
I honestly really need to start doing this as I feel as though I work 24 hours a day 🙁 xxx
I need a detox. I spend way too much time on my devices.
I come home from work and will still be working until 2/3 in the morning before unwinding for 20 minutes by watching a programme but even then I am still on my phone completing threads and it is tiring lord knows I need a digital detox !
Some great ideas here – I really need to do out of office emails more often!
I have been trying to think of ways to not spend as much time on the computer or my cell phone . I’ve heard many times that you will sleep better and fall asleep more easily if you turn off all of your devices one half hour before going to bed . I’ve been trying this lately and it does seem to help.
I need to do a digital detox although I don’t know when I would get a chance too.
This is such a great way to get detached from your smart phone. I have used apps to limit my social media use–funny how technology cuts you off from technology.
I really need to consider doing these things more often. I feel like I’m almost always connected in some way.
If this wasn’t my job I would’ve done it for Lent. I need a break sometimes.
I think I need a detox now! LOL I could use it because we’re so busy right now. Is it time for the beach yet?
I could really use a digital detox. The problem is that digital everything is my bread and butter. =/
I am really bad at not turning off digital devices before bed. I usually fall asleep with the TV on. I probably should try a digital detox…
I agree totally and my bedroom is a tech free zone other than a book that’s all that’s allowed and I make sure I give myself a break after a few hours online
Sometimes I get so tired of the electronic world. I like to occasionally leave my phone and find things to do outside and away from all things digital.
I try quite often to reduce my screen time.I find it best in the lounge to keep my phone in another room. Some great tips to try here.
I really need to enforce some of these rules.
I try to turn off my computer stuff at about 8 and not touch it after that. I make sure the bedroom is totally free of electronics too.
I tried it once for a week and felt so so much better lol But as a blogger it’s impossible you just can’t there is always stuff to be done! x
The only time I have done a digital detox is when I have been on a cruise. I need to start doing this when I am home.
I am trying to not use my phone before bed and stick to traditional reading as I only read phyiscal books. But I do need to try and spend more time doing things which don’t involve technology x
I would DIE without internet. I almost think I like my iPhone more than my husband.
Great Fun Article,Now a Days Most Of Have Internet is Part Of Life,i Like Your Article..