More and more of our time is spent plugged in.  With so much literally at our fingertips it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed. Rather than helping us, technology can start to hinder. One more thing to manage in an already busy schedule.

 

If this starts to happen to you then it’s time for a digital detox.

 

1) Unplug
Both the simplest tactic and perhaps the most challenging all in one. So much of our time is spent dealing with some sort of technology these days that the idea of switching off for a while may feel alien.

However, unplug we can and unplug we should occasionally.

2) Check Digital Inboxes Less
Having immediate access to our many inoxes (email, Facebook, Twitter etc) can lead to some obsessive checking of those inboxes. With research proving there’s a little endorphin release with each new message checked in this way it’s no wonder so many of us fall into this trap.

The answer is simple, check inboxes less often. Set designated periods through the day that are blocked out to check all inboxes. Once a day, twice a day, three times perhaps. Whatever works well for you. But outside of these designated purge periods leave those inboxes alone.

 

3) Less News
Too much news in, too frequently can lead to a feeling of overwhelm. Truth be told, we can never stay on top of everything that is going on in the world as much as we may like to.

 

4) Selective ‘Keeping Up’
As well as actual news, many of us subscribe to all sorts of blogs and information feeds online. Become more selective with what you check. Set some self-imposed limits on how many feeds you follow.

 

5) Rediscover and Uncover Offline Hobbies
To encourage the right use of technology we need to make best use of our downtime.

This is the time to discover or rediscover offline hobbies. A time for sport, a time to exercise, a time to create and time to read (a good old fashioned paper book!).

The more we look forward to this time the more chance we have of following the other suggestions on this list.

 

6) Limit Apps
Many of us load our phones and laptops with all sorts of apps and games. At best, a lot of these can be questionable uses of time.  Time that could be spent doing something more useful instead (no 5 above perhaps).

Intentionally limit the use of apps to just a few that you truly get value from and that help make life a little easier or more fun in some way.

 

7) Impose Digital Limits
We’ve come full circle.

What most of the points here come down to is improving our own habits around technology and the digital world.  It’s a wonderful world if we make appropriate use of it.

 

 

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