Top Digital Detox Habits For The Busy Professional
We’ve all felt it - that overwhelming feeling of anxiety and stress that comes when we can’t seem to get a break from work or our social media feeds. We know we should try to disconnect to give ourselves some space, but we don’t always know where to start. As part of our digital wellness series, we’ve compiled a list of helpful tips and tricks to stay at peak performance everyday.
Top 10 Digital Detox Habits
Take a break from your devices each day.
Set specific times for using your devices and stick to them.
Keep your devices out of reach when you’re not using them.
Avoid using your devices in bed.
Don’t use your devices during meals.
Make sure you take breaks from looking at screens every 20 minutes or so.
Get outside and enjoy nature – without your devices!
Use apps and websites that limit your device usage.
Turn off all notifications on your devices.
Delete any social media apps that cause you anxiety or stress.
What You Need to Cut Down On
If you're a busy professional, you probably find yourself tethered to your digital devices most of the day. But all that time spent staring at screens can take a toll on your physical and mental health. That's why it's important to take some time each day for a digital detox.
There are a few things you can do to help cut down on your screen time. First, try setting some limits for yourself. For example, you could decide to only check your email once per day, or only scroll through social media for a few minutes at a time. You could also try disconnecting from the internet entirely for a set period of time each day.
Another good idea is to make sure you're getting enough sleep. A tired mind is more likely to wander online, so getting enough rest will help you stay focused and limit your screen time. Finally, try to find other activities that you enjoy doing offline. This could be anything from reading a book to going for a walk in nature.
By cutting down on your screen time, you'll be able to focus more on the things that are important to you and improve your overall health.
Limit Screen Time
If you want to limit your screen time, set a specific time limit for yourself each day. For example, you could give yourself two hours of screen time per day. Once you reach your limit, log off of your devices and do something else.
Try to avoid using your devices in bed. This can help you wind down at night and get a better night’s sleep.
Make sure to take breaks throughout the day to move your body and get some fresh air. This will help you avoid eye strain and fatigue.
Once a week, take a day off from all screens. This will give you a chance to disconnect and relax.
Finally, keep in mind that it’s okay to use your devices occasionally for leisure or entertainment. Just be sure to use them in moderation so that they don’t take over your life.
Implementation
Implement a digital detox plan by designating certain times of day as “screen-free” periods. During these times, put away all electronic devices and focus on enjoying the company of family and friends, being active outdoors, or engaging in another activity that you enjoy.
Make a point to disconnect from technology at least once per week. This means no checking email, social media, or news sites. Instead, use this time to read a book, take a nature walk, or catch up with friends and family members.
Take a break from technology every day. Even if it’s just for 30 minutes, disconnecting from electronic devices will help you to relax and rejuvenate. During your break, do something that you enjoy, such as reading, cooking, or playing a musical instrument.
When you’re feeling overwhelmed by technology, take a few deep breaths and remind yourself that you can always disconnect from it whenever you need to. This will help you to feel more in control of your life and your relationship with technology.
Stop Notifications
One digital detox habit that all busy professionals should adopt is stopping notifications. Whether it's email, social media, or text messages, we are constantly being bombarded with notifications. And, more often than not, these notifications are unnecessary and can wait. By turning off notifications, you can take back control of your time and attention.
Another digital detox habit that busy professionals should adopt is setting time limits for screen time. Just like we have time limits for work and other activities, we should also have time limits for screen time. This will help us to better balance our time and focus on the things that are truly important.
Finally, busy professionals should make a conscious effort to disconnect from technology at least once a day. This means no screens, no phones, and no gadgets. Instead, take some time to relax, unwind, and connect with the people and things around you.
Impose Usage Quotas
If you find yourself spending too much time on your digital devices, one way to cut back is to impose usage quotas. Decide how much time you want to spend on your phone, tablet, or computer each day, and then stick to that limit. This will help you to be more mindful of your device usage and cut down on the amount of time you waste scrolling through social media or playing games.
Another way to detox from your devices is to take breaks throughout the day. Every hour or so, take a few minutes to step away from your screens and do something else. Go for a walk, read a book, or talk to a friend. This will help you to reset and avoid getting too sucked into the digital world.
You can also try setting aside certain times of day as “screen-free zones.” For example, you might decide not to use your phone after 9pm or not to have any screens in your bedroom. This will help you to wind down at night and get a better night’s sleep.
Finally, make sure to take some time each day for offline activities that you enjoy.
