Cell phones and computers are an integral part of society nowadays. People use them as tools to work and earn money, while others utilize them to seek entertainment or engage with others online. While there are perks to these forms of technology, it may be high time to take a step away from a digital detox.

Digital Detox Meaning

A digital detox is a voluntary break from the online world and all the devices that come with it. By tuning out anything digital, individuals can reevaluate how they spend their time and experience life without distractions. 

Some people who try out a digital detox may only remove themselves from social media or the world wide web. However, others try to completely cut off screen time, which includes televisions, video game consoles and other forms of technology. 

Digital Detox Benefits

Deliberately taking time away from social media seems challenging at first, as most may spend more waking hours online rather than offline. However, it can make you happier through a variety of ways. Here are the benefits of a digital detox:

1. Increased Physical Activity

While portable digital devices exist, most keep users glued to a chair or a sofa. A two-week social media detox study had participants relay how they had more physical activity, like walking their pets or doing chores.

Boosting your exercise by regulating your time online also helps you stretch your muscles and get your bones moving. Productivity brings a sense of personal gratification, and so does prioritizing your physical health.

2. Less Stress

Social media is pretty stressful at times, depending on the content you’re exposed to. There’s a constant influx of news and communities fighting with one another. Being the target of online scrutiny and hate comments is also troubling. 

Another study finds people who abstained from social media completely were more successful in lowering depression and anxiety symptoms. While there is little to no effect on loneliness levels, mental health and stress levels have stabilized more.

3. More Time for Real-Life Interactions

Have you ever wished you had more time during the day? The truth is Americans are spending about seven hours and three minutes online daily. You can check your own personal device to gauge the exact number of hours.

A digital detox would help you reclaim that time and use it on more offline activities. You can have fulfilling real-life interactions with your friends and family more frequently. Having the awareness to enjoy your own company also brings joy.

4. Better Sleep

Another way digital detox makes you happier is by improving your sleep. While some may not like to admit it, having a device to entertain you late into the night can distract you from slumber. It’s part of why many advise putting the device away when heading to bed.

Nevertheless, you also need to regulate your online presence during the day. Too much social media use lessens your overall sleep quality while increasing the risk of sleep issues. Take a step back and have your circadian rhythm back to normal.

How to Successfully Achieve a Digital Detox 

A digital detox poses many advantages to your physical and mental well-being. However, it’s important to have the right execution, as too much restriction off the bat can make you relapse back to your digital dependency. Here are tips for forgoing your gadgets.

1. Narrow Down Your “Why”

Having a specific reason to go to the digital detox help you stick with the task. Are you aiming to focus on something outside of your social media use? Do you simply want to purposefully cut back on the hours to change your habits? Narrow down the core goal and write it on a note to remember afterward. 

2. Lessen Social Media Time

If this is your first time running a digital detox, focus on reducing your online time rather than completely omitting it. You should use social media for about 30 minutes a day or less. However, you can extend this to an hour or so depending on your feelings. Scale it back once you get used to letting go of your phone. 

3. Turn Off the Notifications

One of the reasons why people gravitate toward their cell phones is because of the notifications ring. Try to make a point to turn off the unnecessary ones or turning the settings to vibrate mode instead. You can also build up a habit of checking on your phone later in the afternoon— condition yourself that the mornings are for offline activities.

4. Control What Goes on Your Screen

List words or content that may trigger your stress levels and prevent them from showing up to make your device use a more positive experience. For instance, regular exposure to digitally altered images sets unreachable beauty standards and creates feelings of inadequacy. Alter your settings to keep AI-generated content out.

5. Pick Up a New Hobby

As a digital detox will free up so much of your time, you’re bound to feel a little bored. Look for a fulfilling hobby to take up the space. You can get back into reading or turn to crocheting. Consider venturing into physical classes to learn how to cook, do pottery or speak a whole new language.

6. Head Outside Alone

Learn to leave the house without your phone during a digital detox. To really get a break from the digital world, you can go on new adventures and immerse yourself in nature. Mountaineering helps with emotional regulation and thrill-seeking. Running the trails and scaling new heights also give you many beautiful sights to appreciate.

7. Journal Your Experience

Keeping a journal about your digital detox can help you track your progress. Note down the number of times you went online and how you felt about it. You could also jot down what offline activities you engaged in. Look back to the pages when you feel a little doubtful of your tech usage.

8. Be Kind to Yourself

Consistency is what makes digital detox successful. However, it’s natural to deviate from your plan 100% of the time. Be forgiving of yourself and take a deep breath. You can adopt other solutions, like physically unplugging the router or finding an accountability partner. Recall your goal and keep moving forward.

Try Out a Digital Detox

A digital detox reveals how often you utilize technology and its general impact on you. Don’t be afraid to shake your current routines when they feel stagnant. Step away from screens for a change to discover a new you.