As you go into the New Year, clear your mind and boost your health with a digital detox.
As you go into the New Year, clear your mind and boost your health with a digital detox.
1 SCHEDULE DEVICE-FREE DAYS
Decide which days you’re going to do your detox, and mark them on a calendar. Choose days that you expect to be less challenging for you. We know it may be tough, so try a half-day at first, and later a day or two. Plan some genuine “face time” with friends and family by heading outdoors for a walk, bike ride or picnic.
2 DIAL BACK ON PHONE USE
Turn off all notifications, including those for texts, apps and email. Don’t use your phone as a clock – get an alarm clock and start wearing a watch again (but not a smartwatch). Let the kids or husband know to text only in an emergency; it’ll give you a break, and teach the children how to solve problems on their own.
3 INFORM YOUR “ECOSYSTEM”
Advise family, friends and co-workers ahead of time that you’ll be offline on your chosen days, so they don’t get worried. Write a post to let your whole social sphere know you’re taking a break from emails, social media and texting. This way, they will not expect to hear back from you until your detox time is up.
Text: Bauersyndication.com.au / Additional reporting: lisa twang / Photo: 123rf.com.
