Having your gadgets constantly within reach and always powered on, is time-consuming and sometimes self-damaging. Spending most of the day doing nothing but checking emails, sending messages or using any of your social media platforms, keep you distanced from everything and everyone around you.I’m not saying that people should go off the grid and get rid of all their devices as if it’s the 1980’s. All I’m saying is that reducing the amount of time spent on your smartphone will definitely make you feel more productive and more connected to the people around you.
Here are a few simple tips to help you:
Digital free-areas
Select an area whether you’re at work or home that is to be free of any digital use. So if you’re at home, I’m thinking the dining room is the best place for you to have a good meal without any disruption. If you’re at work, I’m guessing the bathroom is the only place you have.
Give yourself a curfew
I know you must be feeling too old for curfews but this actually works. It’s not easy at the beginning but once you start managing to use your phone at certain times, you’ve practically crossed half the road of your healing process.
Break the bond
Don’t use your phone out of habit or boredom. Take the hands-off approach as much as you can, except when it comes to urgent emails and texts. If you get the urge to hold your phone, look for something interesting to do.
Turn off push notifications
Switch off the notifications sound of every single social media update. You only need to get alerts to calls, emails, and texts.
Make free time
Free an hour or two of your time, every day, just to entertain yourself without a screen. Maybe go for a swim, a dancing class or grab a hot cup of coffee somewhere you like.
Get rewired
You’re not going to stop using devices forever, just pick what to use them for. Of course, you’re not going to cut yourself off from social media either, so just make sure you use it wisely.
Set reminders to go offline
Set regular alarms to remind you around every 60 minutes or so, to grab a glass of water, take a walk or even call a friend.
Use your phone for something good for you
Install more Apps that have to do with your health like workouts and diet plans. Later on, you’ll automatically relate using your phone to things that are good for you, not only social media use.
