Digital Detox - Life Hacks

Sometimes we only take a pause when our battery dies. We are too busy in our tech that we start ignoring the real-world experiences, more so during these strange times. With the advent of working from home we do not know when to step away from our workspace. The logoff button has somewhat been forgotten. 

Here are some of the tips that might help you train your mind to step out of digital world and prioritise your mental and physical health.   

Set App Restrictions on your Phone

Social media in not so social times can ramp up your hours spent on your phone. It is shown in studies that an individual spends 144 minutes/day on social media sites. This time can easily be saved if we start restricting social media app screen time. Start Slow!! Restrict to 120 minutes initially then try to get down to 30 minutes in a day. Suddenly you will find yourself with a lot of time to do other things.  

Use the 20-20-20 Rule

With all the screen time everyday our eyes get tired. We put a lot of strain on them without knowing. 20-20-20 rule is a very good trick to maintain your eye health. Every 20 minutes look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.  

Take Mini Breaks

Work can be really busy sometimes. When we are working from home, we forget that we are not taking coffee breaks like we used to in the offices. We quickly grab something to eat/drink and sit back on our desks. Take small breaks to counter this, go for a walk, stretch out, sit in your back garden.  

Say Goodnight to your Devices at Evening

There was a recent survey that suggested using your mobile phones during evenings can disrupt melatonin production, your quality of sleep and your mood. Make a habit to put a bedtime schedule on your phone or put it on do not disturb so that you are not jumping for your phone on each notification.  

Try using the Rule of Thirds 

Divide your life in thirds: 8 hours for sleep, 8 hours for work and 8 hours for what you want to do. Taking time off from work can drastically improve your productivity. Try picking a lost hobby that you always wanted to do. This way you will find yourself spending less time on screen and going back to things that you really like.  Researches have shown that if you spend more than 40 hours a week in work your productivity starts to diminish.  

Let’s start saying no to our phones, laptops and tablets and yes to exercise, family and hobbies during this pandemic.