How To Start a Digital Detox

A digital detox can improve your physical and mental health, increase your attention span, develop your problem-solving skills, and even boost your creativity. It’s also an important way to reduce stress.

Five Digital Detox Tips

You can use many strategies to take a break from screen time. Different methods work for different people because of our unique lifestyles and personalities. Try these five ways to do a digital detoxification:

1. Set time boundaries

Schedule technology-free hours every day, stay away from your phone during meals or add technology-free activities to your schedule like classes.

2. Use your phone with purpose

When you want to use your phone, consider the reason why. If it involves negative coping behaviors like avoidance of an activity, think about how you can better handle that feeling.

3. Set physical boundaries

If you have trouble putting down your phone, try storing it in another room to discourage yourself from using it.

4. Enjoy more paper media

Try out non-digital media like books, newspapers and comics. You can also pick up a pencil and paper to write or draw.

5. Take advantage of your phone’s apps and features

Your phone’s features can help you control your overall technology use. For example, you can turn off notifications for certain apps or turn off your phone entirely for a while.

In general a digital detox will last for about one to two days. This gives you time to connect with your friends and family and do some of the things you’ve been meaning to do. But, if you have a lot of obligations, this might be too long for you.