Let's be honest, have you ever felt that when you're more than two feet from your phone, you are missing a part of yourself? Do you know how many hours a day you spend on your digital devices? Do you feel that your online activities have a positive effect on your general well-being?

Those are all important questions. We live excessively attached to mobile phones, laptops, and Wi-Fi ...

This dependence is real, and in the opinion of experts, it is getting worse and worse. We depend on the screens for everything: in the workplace, for emails, our schedules, to Google to answer any question. We fill our free time with group chats, Facebook or Twitter updates, or uploading everything we do in the form of photos to Instagram. But we must prevent technology from taking over us, as abuse of it can cause damage to our physical and mental health.

A solution that can be effective to reset ourselves, disengage before addiction becomes an addiction, and establish new habits, is to do a digital detox.

A digital detox refers to a period of time when a person refrains from using tech devices such as smartphones, televisions, computers, tablets, and social media sites. Detoxing from digital devices is often seen as a way to focus on real-life social interactions without distractions. By forgoing digital devices, at least temporarily, people can let go of the stress that stems from constant connectivity.

Before you decide if it is right for you, consider some of the potential benefits and methods of doing a digital detox.

Reasons for a Digital Detox📵

1) To reconnect with the world around you

First of all, switching off your devices gives you the chance to reconnect with the world around you. It allows you to look up from your phone, and simply experience all the sights and sounds that surround you – especially when enjoying a digital detox retreat on vacation!

2) To reconnect with the people around you‍

While many of us may use our digital devices to keep in contact with each other, they more often than not actually distract us from connecting with the people who are really around us.  It will allow you to cultivate good manners and people skills. If you have ever sat across from someone at the dinner table who made more phone contact than eye contact, you might know exactly what I’m talking about. ‍

3)To take some time for yourself

Digital devices allow us to be connected at all times, but sometimes we need a time out to simply be by ourselves. If you're not immediately contactable, you will be able to properly relax, allowing you to switch off your mind as well as your devices.

4) To improve your health

Excessive use of digital devices has been shown to have an impact on health. Ever experience a headache or neck pain after a day spent hunched staring at a screen? A digital detox will help you break the habits that are linked to these problems, resulting in a happier, healthier you.

5) To sleep better

The use of digital devices has been shown in many studies to impair our sleeping, particularly when used in the hour before you go to bed. It is recommended that you give yourself at least two hours of technology-free time before bedtime.

6) Reduce depression and anxiety  

Too much of anything is bad for you. The same goes for technology. Research shows a positive correlation between immoderate technology use and anxiety. Anxiety is tied to the dopamine release we get when we receive stimulants like social media notifications or text messages. This, in turn, encourages pleasure-seeking or validation-seeking behavior, which creates an environment for mental distress. 

7) Increase work productivity

Although technological advancements have aided the progression of many companies, employees are spending too much time on technology. Even though it has great benefits in the workplace, the amount of time spent opening emails, checking personal Facebook pages, and responding to text messages could be greatly reduced if a cutback took place.

8) To improve your attention span

Following on from the previous points, your technological devices can be an unwanted distraction. Whether at work, socializing with friends, or just enjoying some downtime, the light-up of your phone screen is enough to draw your attention away from whatever you’re doing in an instant and make you much less productive, but a digital detox will help stop this.

9) Save money

It’s no surprise that a large chunk of everyone’s paycheck is designated for cell phone companies, TV companies, and wifi companies. If you are struggling with your monthly bill payments or saving money, you should consider going on a hiatus from all technology. This detox will have you and your wallet in for a pleasant surprise.

How do you know if you need a digital detox? 🤯

The best way to know if you need a digital detox is to think about your daily habits regarding technology.

If you identify with this type of behavior, it may be time to consider a digital detox. This does not mean that you no longer have to use your mobile or other electronic devices, but rather it is about stopping and starting to use them more responsibly. Remember: the bad thing is not the use, but the abuse.

Tips for doing your digital detox 💡👋🏻📱

-Set your time for a digital detox: this depends on your level of dependence on your phone, but it is recommended that it last between three days and a week. This way, the person can completely disconnect and start forming good habits. Ideally, do it during a vacation.

-Establish schedules: in many cases, for work or personal reasons, you cannot be without a telephone, so it is best to establish schedules in which you are allowed to look at emails and social networks. You can also choose to find a weekday in which it is possible for you to completely disconnect, and you can do so by turning off the mobile or putting it in airplane mode.

-Stay calm: it is normal that the first few days you feel the temptation to look at your phone, but over time you will see that it is not essential; it is best to take it easy.

-Look for partners: one way to get the best results and get motivated is by sharing the challenge with a friend, family member, or partner. Remember to inform people that you are going to do this disconnection, this way they will be able to know the hours at which they can contact you, and you will avoid unnecessary scares or worries.

-Create rules: establish rules, such as putting your phone in airplane mode when you get home. If you fulfill them, you get a reward, if not, a small punishment. It will motivate you to do well.

-Do things that you like: find your hobbies and practice them, the only condition is that they do not have to do with technology. Go for a walk, practice running, yoga, read, cook, or paint, and if you think you don't have any hobbies, stop and reflect for a moment, surely you do, but you may have forgotten them lately.

-Do not have your mobile nearby: one way to avoid falling into temptation is not to have it nearby. Therefore, avoid having your gadget nearby at work, during your disconnection moment, and while you sleep.

-Outside notifications: Deactivate your notifications, so you aren't tempted to engage! Most things are not so important that they can't wait.

Going device-free can be uncomfortable and stressful at times.  While it may be hard, it can be a rewarding experience that will help you better understand your relationship with your devices and be more present and mindful in your other activities and experiences.