Knowing how to disconnect from technology is essential today. How often do we go to bed or sit down to dinner while reading an email? How often do we check our social networks while talking with friends or family?
Technology can be a helpful tool; however, moderating the use of electronic devices in the Instant Information Age can benefit our professional and personal lives. Not doing so raises stress levels, feeds the feeling of loneliness, and leads to a sedentary lifestyle and sleep disorders.
Disconnecting from technology to reconnect with the present and the world around you is of great value today. It is vital to strike a balance.
How Unplugging From Technology Improves Our Life
1. Increase focus and efficiency:
Unplugging technology can have many positive effects on our lives. We can increase productivity by taking a break from the constant bombardment of emails, texts, and notifications. It can also help us become more creative as we think without interruption.
2. Promote real connections
Taking a break from technology can allow us to create more meaningful connections with those around us as we focus on face-to-face conversations rather than constantly being distracted by our devices. We can utilize this time to interact with family and friends, experiment with new activities or interests, or relax and unwind.
3. Enhance the decision-making
Pausing technology allows us to contemplate our lives and our choices. We can reflect on the potential outcomes of different decisions and consider how each one might affect our lives in the long run. This process of contemplation allows us to make more informed decisions based on thoughtful consideration rather than impulse or emotion.
4. Encourage professional development
Limiting our use of social media or other online activities allows us to focus on essential career growth and development tasks. We can use this time to network with colleagues, research new opportunities, or develop skills that will benefit our careers in the long run.
5. Enriches happiness
Unplugging technology can make us happier by disconnecting from everyday stressors. We can take this time to practice mindfulness or engage in activities that bring joy into our lives, such as going for a walk, practicing running (my passion), going to nature, or listening to music.
How to Disconnect to be More Happy and Productive
1. Set a Technology-Free Space
Creating a technology-free space in your home can help you disconnect and be happier and more productive. This could be a room, a corner of your bedroom or living room, or even a chair where you can relax without distraction from your devices.
Make sure this space is comfortable and inviting, so it’s easy to relax and focus on yourself. Place items in this space that bring you joy, like books, magazines, art supplies, plants, candles, etc.
It’s also important to ensure this space is free from any screens - no TVs, phones, tablets, or computers. Taking time away from technology will help you disconnect from the world and reconnect with yourself.
2. Go off for One Day (or Night) a Week
Disconnecting for one day a week can be a great way to take a break and reset. It doesn’t have to be the same day each week, but giving yourself one day of complete disconnection can help you recharge and refocus.
During this day, turn off your phone, don’t check emails or social media accounts, and avoid using any technology unless absolutely necessary.
You could use this time to get out in nature, spend time with friends or family, read a book, do some creative writing or art, meditate or practice yoga, go for a long walk or bike ride – whatever activity helps you relax and clear your head.
Taking this time away from technology will allow you to come back feeling refreshed and energized.
3. Do More Non-Digital Activities
One of the best ways to disconnect and be happier and more productive is to do more non-digital activities. These activities include anything from going for a walk, reading a book, taking up a hobby such as painting or playing an instrument, or even spending time with family and friends.
Doing things that don’t involve technology will help you take your mind off the digital world and focus on yourself and your well-being. It can also help you get away from the stressors of everyday life, allowing you to relax and enjoy yourself.
Additionally, these activities can often provide new perspectives on life, leading to increased productivity in other areas.
4. Track the Time You Spend Connected
Taking note of exactly how much time you spend connected is a great way to start disconnecting. Track the time you spend on your phone, computer, or any other device for a few days, and then use that data to create a plan for yourself.
For example, if you find that you’re spending 3 hours a day on social media, set aside one hour each day for scrolling through your feeds and then use the remaining two hours for something else. This will help you stay aware of how much time you’re spending connected so that it doesn’t take over your life.
You can also use this data to identify activities that make you feel happy and productive so that you can be intentional about making more time for them.
5. Start Meditation or Yoga
Yoga is another fantastic way to disconnect from technology and the world around you. Practicing yoga regularly can teach you to be more mindful of your body, breath, and thoughts.
As a result, you will be able to manage stress better and cultivate a greater sense of well-being. Yoga can also help improve flexibility, strength, and balance while providing physical and mental relaxation.
Meditation can also help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings to understand yourself better. With this insight, making decisions that align with your core values and beliefs becomes easier.
6. Avoid sleeping with your phone next to you
If you're having trouble disconnecting from technology, one of the best things you can do is avoid sleeping with your phone next to you.
Studies have found that people who keep their phones near them while they sleep are more likely to be anxious and stressed out. Also, they tend to get less quality sleep than those who don't keep their phones close by.
So if you want to be happier and more productive, try keeping your phone in another room while you sleep. This will help keep your mind clear and give you a better chance of getting restful sleep.
In conclusion
Technology can be a great asset in our lives, but it can also be a distraction if we let it take over.
Taking time away from technology can help us gain perspective, rest our minds, and connect with people in meaningful ways. We can also use this time to reflect on our goals and values so that we can make more meaningful choices about how we want to live our lives.
Disconnecting from technology helps us to practice self-care and mindfulness, which are essential for overall well-being.
May you use the power of technology wisely today!
