How To Do a Digital Detox and Reclaim Your Safe Zone!

In today's digital society, people are more connected than ever. Whether we're exchanging texts with our friends or sharing pictures on social media, the mark of technology is everywhere in our lives. There are numerous benefits of embracing technology, such as forming stronger connections with our loved ones and increasing productivity in the workplace. However, as devices occupy a growing role in our world, it becomes increasingly difficult to separate ourselves from them.

The pervasiveness of modern technology has led to a host of negative side effects, such as higher rates of mental illness and a more sedentary lifestyle. There's a silver lining, though: as more people become aware of the dangers of constant screen time, they grow more eager to turn off their devices and hit the reset button on their lives. Here's what you need to know about the digital detox phenomenon and how it can benefit you.

What Is a Digital Detox?

A digital detox is the act of abstaining from all types of technological devices. These can include any of the following:

• Smartphones
• Laptops/computers
• Tablets
• TVs
• Smart speakers

The main goal of digital detoxing is to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the real world around you. When detoxing, people discover new opportunities to spend time with their loved ones, pursue creative projects and practice new hobbies. Avoiding common tech devices can also help you become more in tune with the world around you and allow you to see it in a new way.

While it can be difficult to exclude all these devices from your daily routine, doing so can lead to meaningful benefits for your overall health and well-being. From lower levels of stress and anxiety to a greater sense of control in your everyday life, there are numerous advantages of unplugging and focusing your energy elsewhere.

Benefits of a Digital Detox

Putting your devices off to the side for a while can enhance your daily life in a myriad of ways. Here are some of the most significant benefits of digital detoxing.

Reduced Stress

Spending time on your phone or computer can quickly turn into a downward spiral. You might tell yourself that you're only going to spend a few minutes on social media, only to find that hours have gone by. This is because the pull of technology keeps you glued to your screen and tuned out of the world you're living in.

When you're intentional about spending time away from devices, you become more deeply connected to the world around you. Observing your environment and living in the moment helps you feel more relaxed and less stressed.

Better EMF Protection

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are areas of radiation that aren't visible to the naked eye. EMFs are divided into two separate categories: high-frequency EMFs and low- to mid-frequency EMFs. The technological devices that you use every day, such as smartphones and laptops, fall under the low-frequency category.

While these devices don't pose as high of a risk as high-frequency EMFs, they can still do considerable damage. Studies that use RF meters have shown that prolonged EMF exposure is associated with a heightened risk of cancer, as well as oxidative damage, fertility complications and other serious health risks. Participating in a digital detox can raise your level of EMF protection, especially if you do so on a regular basis.

Higher Productivity

It's difficult to stay focused on any task for more than a few minutes if you're constantly reaching for your phone. When you completely remove the temptation of social media, you'll find that it's easier to get through your to-do list. You might even have some extra time at the end of the day to practice a hobby or do something else fun that doesn't involve your devices.

Enhanced Sleep Quality

Sleep is just one of the many things that technology has stolen from us. If you routinely find yourself delaying sleep to scroll endlessly through social media, you're not alone. Many people battle feelings of loneliness and anxiety late at night, which can prompt them to find refuge in tiny screens. However, the calm they seek often has the opposite effect: spending too much time on social media can heighten anxiety and make sleep more elusive.

By doing a digital detox, you can let your body naturally prepare itself for rest. Staying away from blue light signals to your brain that it's time for bed, which prompts it to release melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. As a result, you'll feel more well-rested in your day-to-day life.

Stronger Relationships

Technology can put a severe strain on your relationships. Whether you're unable to tear your eyes away from your phone during dinner or compulsively check your email while spending time with your friends, tech devices can prevent you from having quality face time with your loved ones. Digital detoxing can allow you to become more invested in your relationships by getting to know your friends, family or partner on a deeper level.

Improved Physical Health

While many digital detox benefits are psychological, there's much more to the story. Digital detoxing can also enhance your physical health in a number of ways. One of the biggest physical risks of prolonged screen time is obesity, which occurs as a result of living a sedentary lifestyle. Being constantly connected can also lead to pain in your lower back or neck, eye strain and other complications.

By turning off your devices for a while, you can give your body a break and enjoy improved health, both mentally and physically.

Tips for an Effective Digital Detox

Successfully completing a digital detox isn't as daunting as it may seem. With the right tips and strategies, you can discover all the healing effects of going on a digital vacation. Here are some simple guidelines to help you get started.

Set Goals for Yourself

You'll have much better results at the end of your detox if you know what you want to get out of the process. Start by setting goals for yourself that you can follow through with. This means knowing what works for you and what doesn't. For example, if your job requires internet access, it isn't feasible to forgo all technology during your detox. Instead, set realistic limits that allow you to get the most out of the process.

Take Small Steps

It isn't easy to go from a constant dependence on technology to a complete lack of it. For some people, this can even be overwhelming. A much healthier strategy is to take baby steps toward your ultimate goal of disconnecting from all devices. For example, you might spend the first day turning off all your notifications or deleting your social media apps. On the second day, you may feel confident enough to disconnect the Wi-Fi, and so on. Just be sure to do what you feel comfortable with and don't push yourself too hard if you aren't ready.

Set Boundaries

The most important thing to keep in mind when detoxing is to set clear boundaries between your digital life and your real life. Without taking this step, it'll become increasingly difficult to resist the temptation to pick up your phone or scroll through your favorite website. An easy way to set limits is to establish technology-free hours every day. During this time, be sure to stay away from any and all devices. Setting cut-and-dry boundaries will make you more likely to stick to them as time goes by.

Find Non-Digital Alternatives

The best way to keep tech devices out of your life is to find a creative alternative for them. For example, instead of tapping away on your phone at all hours of the day, consider recording the same thoughts and ideas in a physical notebook. Research has shown that writing things down by hand causes your brain to process the information in a more efficient way, making you more likely to remember it.

The same goes for reading a paperback or hardcover book rather than an e-reader. Not only does this habit help you retain knowledge more effectively, but it's simply more enjoyable. You may even find that you prefer physical books and notebooks over the digital versions long after your detox is over.

Master the Art of Digital Detoxing

Doing away with technological devices might seem like a challenge at first, but you can make the process more seamless by sticking to the above guidelines. Remember that a digital detox is a personal journey, and it's best to go about it in a way that suits your personal needs and goals. Once you get the hang of it, you'll have the opportunity to unlock numerous benefits for your social, physical and mental well-being.

Written By Safe Living Technologies