How to detox from technology

Nowadays, it can seem like technology is making life much easier than in the past. We have access to technology everywhere, most people have smartphones and computers always turned on and rely on this technology much more than we may realize. Sure this technology is excellent. However, there are ways that this tech could also be negatively affecting our lives, so the question is: Can we detox from technology, and what may be the reasoning for doing so.

Technology is undoubtedly tremendous and has benefited us immensely through the years. This is more than true. Being constantly connected to the outside world can help us do much more and have a far more significant impact than ever before. It would be difficult to imagine life without such technology, and many people question if we could lead such rewarding lives without it.

We rely on technology far too much

Along with technology comes a greater sense of being connected, and because we rely on it so much, it’s hard to imagine life without it. But does it hold that technology makes life better? Let’s examine this further.

However, one thing is for sure: the adage where too much of anything can disadvantage us and disconnect us from as healthy a life as possible. This is true concerning technology. Too much tech can put us into a false sense of belonging, potentially negatively impacting our lives. I want to take a few moments and explore some of the negative aspects of technology so if you’re ready, let’s have a look, shall we?

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You may need a technology detox if you are so reliant on the tech that you isolate yourself from the outside world. This is especially true if you feel that social media is the be-all to end all of your social life. Remember that there is a whole world outside to explore and that when we rely on technology to the extent where we are isolating ourselves from this outside world, we may need to detox from the technology. So go ahead and take a break from that which may be limiting your quality of life and get out there.

Signs you may need a break from technology

You may need to detox from technology if you are experiencing neck strain. Yes, this is a thing that has been attributed to technology, especially the use of smartphones. For obvious reasons, you may strain the muscles in your neck, and this could be a sign in plain sight that you need to give the technology a rest. We see it all the time in waiting rooms, on public transit, or even during breaks at work. People hunched over, glaring intently at the screens of their smartphones. This is a relatively new phenomenon and one that we should be aware of to prevent such strain. This has also been noted concerning cramping of the fingers from swiping at the smartphones, so if you notice any of these symptoms, you should likely take a break from the technology and put down your phone. Luckily, you could be doing many different activities instead of browsing status updates of your favorite celebrity or the latest fads. So get up and do something constructive instead, take a walk, or, god forbid, socialize outside the realm of technology; it will do you some good!

Another reason that you may need to detox from technology is if you are experiencing difficulties sleeping. Frequently, we have our phones close to us, like on the nightstand when we turn in for the night. This can lead to problems sleeping and getting that quality sleep that we may need to function correctly throughout the day. Sometimes we may not even realize that it’s our phone that has woken us up in the middle of the night in turn disturbing our sleep patterns. I recommend that you power off your phone for the night, and you may have a better, more restful sleep as a result.

Here are some common ways that you can effectively detox from technology

• Plan ahead – the best way to detox from technology is to plan and, through doing this, set aside times where you are going to turn off all your devices and instead find something to replace that time with something constructive.
• Take up reading – reading a book can be an excellent way to take your mind off the technology and, in turn, give yourself the break you need to live a healthier, tech-limited lifestyle. Reading is also great for many other reasons, and you could learn something new and increase your vocabulary at the same time. Just be aware that you can strain your neck this way, so read in moderation.
• Power down at night – we mentioned this before, but it can be such a powerful means to detox from technology that I cannot stress this enough. This way, you ensure that your sleep is not being indirectly interrupted by technology.
• Get up and move around – instead of sitting down during your lunch breaks at work, staring at the screen of your smartphone, go for a walk or otherwise get up and move around. Not only is this healthier for your body, but you may also break the habit of constantly looking at the latest status updates or the latest on the Kardashians, haha.
• Tech can be addictive – breaking habits is not always easy, but it’s time you may want to start looking at your technology as a bad habit that may need to be broken. The only thing that can help you break a bad habit is changing your behavior, so now may be the time for you to seriously consider this.

So there are some things for you to have a serious look at, and although it may be hard for you, change is possible and maybe what you need. You may even forget about your smartphone or computer and gain healthier habits that involve going outside for a walk or reconnecting with nature which can be incredibly empowering for the soul.