We’re more connected than ever before, but the added stress that comes with technological growth is real
So how do we unplug without FOMO? You don’t have to go on a cold-turkey digital detox, but taking smaller steps and setting boundaries will help you to disconnect to reconnect. Offline is the new luxury.
- MONITOR YOUR USAGE. Most people drastically underestimate the amount of time they spend staring at their devices. But a tracking app (such as Moment in the iOS app store) can tell you exactly how many times a day you pick up your phone and how many minutes (or hours) you spend looking at your screen. Once you recover from the shock of seeing your actual numbers, you can start working on how to change your habits.
- ESTABLISH A MORNING RITUAL. Once we open the window into our digital world, it can be hard to close it again. So don’t rush into it first thing in the morning. Give yourself three positive habits you will do every day before you look at your phone.
- FIND A NON-DIGITAL HOBBY. Spend some quality time away from your phone by immersing yourself in a flow-inducing activity that is quintessentially non-digital. Examples include water sports, hiking, music and art, cooking, gardening, and card games.
- PRACTICE “EMAIL-FREE FRIDAYS” Pick one day a week where you make a conscious effort to prioritize phone calls and face-to-face meetings over e-mail. Encourage your colleagues to do the same.
- PUT YOUR PHONE TO BED…AWAY FROM THE BEDROOM. Buy an old-fashioned analog alarm clock and keep your phone out of the bedroom. Try to stay phone-free for the first and last hour of your day.
We often don’t realize the sacrifices we are making for the sake of our technology until we spend some time away from it. Putting some boundaries on your technology use will make you happier, more productive, and maybe just a little more human.
