Tech Health: Tricks for a Digital Detox
By Chris Brown
Are our cell phones making us angry, anxious, and unproductive? Digital devices, and the apps we use them for, have a direct correlation with increased stress levels, unhealthy compulsions, and narcissistic traits, according to a few UK studies. They are also huge time and productivity drains. We've all experienced a simple notification becoming an hour of unintended browsing. In fact, enormous sums of money are invested by companies specifically to ensure that this distraction occurs. And, as a result, we are ever more entrapped by personalized content designed to lock our attentions, uncontrollably, for greater lengths of time. The first step out of this increasingly tempting distraction is, like any addictive substance, a detoxification. Digital detoxes are becoming increasingly popular for those feeling trapped by the pull of their devices.
The Functional Digital Detox
While our lives are so technologically ingrained that complete remission isn't always practical, there are ways to detox from the most harmful and addictive elements of your devices without romping off into the woods.
Turn off all non-essential notifications - This includes social media, email, certain messaging, and all those application notifications you think are necessary. Instead, assign a specific time in the day to check emails, social media, and respond to texts.
Schedule technology-free periods, especially during meals - Our crutch for the constant stimulation of technological entertainment means that certain periods, such as meals, become trigger points for digital distraction. At these times, it may be especially important to avoid your devices altogether to refrain from indulging in boredom-reducing media.
Keep smartphones away at night and first thing in the morning - Screens are particularly harmful for sleep cycles, so keeping them away from the bed is an easy solution. If you can't sleep without distraction, start the relaxing practice of reading in bed.
Make a detox app folder and avoid it - Place all unnecessary applications, such as social media, movie apps, or games, in a folder and mark it "AVOID." During a short-term full detox, you can avoid this folder completely. For longer term reduction, schedule a time block to access all folder items and stay away the rest of the day.
Set devices to "black and white" - The bright colors on your phone or laptop are part of the secret behind their addicting nature. Instead, change to monochrome (black and white) to reduce the desire to stare into the screen's abyss.
These tricks should allow you to perform a digital detox that clears your uptake of mental junk food significantly. And who knows, maybe the experience will influence a permanent changes in your approach to future tech devices.
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