There are many who have begun to question their internet habits, some even go as far as calling it an addiction. But what should you do, and do you even need to?
More and more books are being written about digital detox, how to relax by turning off internet. The travel agencies have picked up on the trend, and now offers destinations with mobile-, TV- and computer free rooms. But do you really have to buy an expensive trip with a mobile ban to let go off your screen?
On the question if you need to do something about you habits, the answer is really up to each and everyone to decide. But those who want to change their relationship with the screen can keep on reading about things that are good to think about.
Identify your habits
If you want to reduce the use and addiction to internet and technology a good tip is to take a little at a time. Shutting down everything at once rarely works, relapse will (probably) happen.
The best thing is to try to identify which moments during the day that you are picking out the phone or tablet by pure rubbish. In the evenings when the children is asleep? On the bus going to work? While eating food? In bed before you fall asleep, or immediately when you wake up?
Identify the moments that are not directly necessary of course, today’s technology is also good; for directions, opening hours, recipes for the weekend’s dinner. It’s not those moments that are risky for your well-being, it is the other 95%, when you aimlessly scroll, react to every notification that pops up or when constantly keeping up with the news feed.
Tip: Ask your friends or family to tell you what they think are your digital pitfalls.
Make changes one step at a time
When you get a picture of how your internet usage looks, it’s time to start cleaning up.
Here are some tips on actions, but do not take everything at once, one thing at a time, until you feel that you can take the next step:
- Turn off notifications so you are not tempted and interrupted in everyday life.
- Uninstall all the apps you do not use so often.
- Get a hobby! Write letters and postcards to loved ones, solve crosswords on the bus, or start crocheting are great examples of fun things to do instead of holding on to the phone.
- Set up a certain times of day it is okay to sit with the phone.
- Uninstall instagram, twitter, or the apps you think you use too much, and reinstall them when you want to use them, and then uninstall them as soon as you are done. This means that you do not happen to find yourself using the app for no reason.
Not convinced?
Lifehack.org have listed five things that happen to the body when taking a digital break:
- You become aware of your surroundings
- More opportunities for conversations
- New mindset
- Memory enhancement
- Happier and healthier
What are you waiting for? What do you have for tips to unwind? Please let us know.