If you feel like your life revolves around being on a screen we totally understand. The reality for many of us these days is working all day on a screen and then coming home and wanting to relax by looking at a screen.
However, life can begin to feel surreal if we get locked into this cycle. While there is no getting away from the digital world completely nowadays, it’s time to get out of this unhealthy cycle, especially around the Christmas holidays.
So, let’s disconnect from the digital world. Here’s what to do.
Digital detox days
Set a certain day of the week for digital detox. Choose a day when you won’t need to be online for work or anything important. This may be difficult at the start however it’s so important to make sure you’re okay without social media.
Make sure to let your loved ones know that you are taking a break and haven’t gone anywhere! So, choose a day and stick to it – even if it’s only for a few hours.
Prioritise IRL time
During the festive season, you are sure to be meeting up with tons of friends and family, many of which you might not have seen in a while. Make sure to prioritise spending time with these people, disconnected from all digital distractions.
Rather than sitting down watching TV together, go for a walk or grab a coffee. This way you can really engage with one another and listen properly.
Phone free zones
Have at least one phone free zone in the house. The best rooms for this are probably the kitchen and the sitting room as this is where everyone in the family should be spending time together and discussing what’s going on in their lives.
This will prevent screen time during meals or other times that the whole house is together.
Use your phone intentionally
Phones were made to be used with reason. Whether that was to call someone, or a few years later, maybe to check the weather. We picked up our phones to do something in particular.
This new form of endless scrolling is a new and very detrimental aspect of life.
It’s time to really think about each time you pick up your phone. When you become aware of it, you will realise you picked it up without even thinking – for no reason at all.
Anytime you catch yourself doing this, put down your phone and walk away. Go into another room and keep yourself occupied with another task or activity. Make yourself a cup of tea or have a chat with someone in the house.
App limits
You can set an app limit through your settings on Android or Apple devices. Or just log out of your socials for a while.
This will be especially important on occasions where you know you will be busy or surrounded by other people that you should spend time with.
You want to be present, not entering your 2nd hour of TikTok scrolling.