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Smartphones and digital devices can often feel like an extended part of yourself. This is why it may be inconceivable to leave them alone for more than a few minutes at a time. However, what you may have also realized, though, is that these same devices can cause you quite a bit of stress. The best solution to this problem would be a digital detox.
Not sure how to go about it? Well check out all of this information below:
Step 1: Turn Off Notifications
For a moment, just think about how many notifications pop up on your screen within a single hour. Some of the notifications that you are most likely to get include:
- Text messages/instant messages
- Emails
- Social media updates
- App updates or promotions
Now, notifications are more than just distractions. These beeps or flashes of light can tempt you into going through your phone while working. Therefore, your initial foray into technology detox will involve disabling all of these notifications. Therefore, you will only be updated whenever you make it a point to check your phone.
This is especially important for students in Australia to do during classes and when they are studying. Without such obstacles, you will find it much easier to concentrate on what you are doing. Not to mention, since you will only need to focus on one thing at a time, you will be less stressed out as well.
Step 2: Restructure Your Usage
Do you wake up in the morning, roll over, and immediately grab your phone? Furthermore, do you hold onto your device until the very last moment before your bedtime? Well, this is no way to start and end your day! So, one of the top things to embrace on your “how to digital detox” journey is to stay away from your phone during these times of the day.
Specifically, wait until you have been up for at least an hour before you check your phone. Similarly, you should suspend all digital device usage about an hour before you go to bed. An added perk of this bedtime routine is that you may find yourself sleeping better!
Step 3: Take Short Breaks During the Day
The next stage in your internet detox involves taking short breaks during the day, in addition to your breaks in the morning and evening. For instance, challenge yourself to avoid looking at any digital devices for a fifteen-minute period. Continue with this interval until you find it relatively easy to do this.
Then, step it up a notch–slowly increase this interval to twenty-five minutes. Once you have adjusted to this break length, consider increasing it even further. Eventually, you should be able to avoid looking at your phone for long periods of time, without getting distressed. Betterhelp provides support and helpful advice on how to stay mentally well while going through a digital detox.
Step 4: Engage In Other Activities
Clearly, you are going to notice that less device usage means more time on your hands. Now, this additional free time may actually increase the impulse to use your devices again. To overcome such urges, you need to start planning more activities for yourself. Some ideas you can try are:
- Exercise
- Reading
- Meditation
- Volunteer work
You can also focus on being more productive during the day. So, rather than procrastinating your work through digital and social media usage, try doing something that can improve your workload. For instance, if you are enrolled in school spend more time indulging in your essay writing for students.
Step 5: Create Tech “Windows”
Let’s face it, in this day and age, it is virtually impossible to cut out digital devices completely. After all, most people have jobs that involve technology and the internet. Not to mention, the average student gets assignment help from online sources as well.
It is due to this that you should create little digital “windows” during each day. Figure out the best time for you to turn on your computer and phone and focus on tasks that require technology. Then, when this time is up, you will need to power down your devices and disconnect.
Step 6: Come Up With Alternative Techniques
Of course, depending on your workload, these little windows may not be enough to complete all of your tasks. In this instance, you should consider delegating certain tasks to others. If you are a student, for instance, why not try hiring an essay writing service?
Although you may not know this, it actually shouldn’t be too difficult to find a Custom Assignment Writing Service. This way, you can get your work done without having to spend obscene amounts of time in front of a computer screen.
Step 7: Focus on Using Technology in a Healthier Way
A digital detox isn’t something that lasts forever. This is because, as mentioned, you have to rely on technology for a variety of tasks. So, unless you are willing to isolate yourself completely, you will have to pick up a digital device every now and then.
What you should do during this detox, though, is to find a way to use your digital devices in a healthier or more balanced way. This doesn’t just include cutting down on the number of hours that you use your phone and computer. It also involves using your digital devices in a more productive manner as well.
These are all the ways you can get started on your digital detox while simultaneously improving your stress levels as well. All that is left to do now is to simply begin your journey. After this, you will know exactly how to proceed.