It is so easy to spend too much time on your phone every day. We all do that, but if you know that you are spending an excessive amount of time and want to unplug from it now then this guide is for you. Unplugging from your phone is the best way to start taking in your surroundings and bettering your life!
Why does it important to unplug from technology
It is no secret that technology can be addictive. While many people love screen time, some people experience anxiety or stress when they spend too much time looking at their devices.
Many people are experiencing the adverse effects of too much screen time. Even when reading books on tablets, the light from the screen can cause eye fatigue, and headaches, and even affect sleep quality.
If you are also experiencing this, it is now important for you to unplug from digital devices and live more mindfully.
Now let’s get into the post.
Unplug from phone Upon Waking and Before Bed
Something to start with when considering unplugging from your phone is to create morning or night routines so you don’t use your phones at that time.
Chances are, one of the first things you do as soon as you wake up is check your phone for notifications. Instead of reaching for your phone in the morning, you could try to incorporate the following habits into your routine. Write in a journal, take a morning walk, practice affirmations or perform a yoga routine.
And for reducing your screen time before bed, remove electronic devices from the bedroom entirely if possible or develop a night routine too, like doing self-care, reading a book (a hardcopy!), or stretching.
Remove notifications
Avoid dealing with your phone beeping or buzzing during the day when you receive new emails. Remove those notifications. Notifications serve as incessant reminders to plug back into our hypersocial digital world. It’ll also keep you from being bothered when you’re done working and just relaxing.
Fill your free time better
In this age of hyper-connectedness, it’s easy to forget there are still many available hobbies that don’t require an internet connection or an electronic device.
A hobby based on arts and crafts opens a world of possibilities. For example painting with the help of custom paint by number. It’s such a fun and therapeutic activity. This also helps you to relax your mind. There can’t be a better way like this for using your free time better. You will develop a hobby and will be unplugged from technology too.
I like the Paint By Numbers method because the painting allows you to produce something close to a real art piece as you follow the numbers and paint accordingly.
Of course, there are other forms of art and crafts you can do like creating your own greeting cards, DIYs, Pottery, Woodwork, Embroidery, Soap making, and whatnot. There are, in fact, too many arts and crafts possibilities to list them all here
Track your app usage
For those who want to be more mindful of their time spent on social media, many apps now have a built-in usage tracker. In addition to displaying the duration of time you spend on the app, these trackers provide the option to set reminders. Or some phone’s settings also have this option to set usage time for each app.
You can put settings on so it reminds you not to go on your phone after your screen time limit.
Digital Detox
Start with a single day, do not use your phone for a whole day, if you can, and then see if you can go for a week. Find healthy activities to fill up the time you’ll be freeing up without technological distractions. Spend time outdoors, and spend more time with your family and yourself. When you’re done with the detox, you’ll feel more energized, less worried, and better equipped to appreciate life.
Set up a Tech-Free Zone in Your Home
Decide a place in your home that should be devoid of electronic gadgets which require internet connectivity. Starting a new hobby from the list suggested above might be a great way to help motivate yourself to spend time in your technology-free zone.
Whether you struggle to ignore social media notifications or set clear boundaries between rest and work, it’s a good idea to unplug whenever you can.
What are your thoughts about unplugging from your phone? What do you do to unplug from technology?