We’re all guilty of sticking a little too closely to our phones, especially at this time of year. If it’s not photos of a family vacation, it’s your best friend’s recent engagement announcement that you just have to share on all forms of social media. There are subtle ways to have a digital detox but not have the FOMO constantly playing on your mind. Learn to rely less on technology and enjoy it as an addition to life, not a replacement.
Buy an alarm clock
Having the clock app on your phone makes it super convenient to set your alarm to your favourite song of the week to start your day off right. It also gives you the temptation to check your messages and emails first thing in the morning. Buying an old school alarm clock stops this by taking the temptation out of the equation. Start your day off right by relaxing and having some ‘you time’ in the mornings. A less stressful start to the morning sets you up well for the whole day.
Take advantage of ‘do not disturb’ mode
This handy icon hidden away on your control centre is great for nighttime if you don’t want to be woken up by your best friend’s drunk messages. It’s perfect because if someone calls you more than 3 times, it recognises the call as an emergency and will ring aloud.
Gradually turn off ‘push notifications’
Once you hear the notification telling you that someone liked your new profile picture, its a dark, endless circle. Before you know it, you’re on your sisters, friends, ex boyfriends page wondering what happened to him. You don’t really need the distraction (especially at work!) so gradually turn off your notification settings. You’ll still see the like’s and comments but you’ll see them when you choose the time to see them.
Don’t be afraid of boredom
Some of the best inventors and creatives in this world have their work because they were bored! Not from playing Candy Crush. Welcome some quiet time and embrace the art of doing nothing.
If you must fill your time, get productive and tidy that drawer you’ve been putting off or maybe even put pen to paper and start writing that novel!
Set boundaries
We all have that friend will be on her phone at lunch not really listening to you. Don’t be that friend! They’re the absolute worst. Try setting boundaries like leaving your phone in your bag at dinner, or leave it facing down at catch ups with friends. Don’t be distracted by the “ping” you get in the middle of brunch with your boss! A fun game to play is to put all your phones in the middle of the table, and make whoever reaches for their phone first pay the table’s check.
