Time for a digital detox? From\u00a0computers\u00a0and\u00a0smartphones\u00a0to TVs and tablets, it seems our lives revolve around\u00a0screens. We wake up to them, we carry them in our pockets all day. We really do trust and rely on them. Yes, technology is incredibly useful for work, education, staying connected and so much more, but what happens when it begins to disrupt our everyday lives, or even worse, it becomes an addiction? Time to take a break.\n

It’s not easy to break a habit, but if you want to start valuing your time and be more\u00a0productive, a simple digital detox might be just the ticket. It’ll seriously improve your mental health and\u00a0wellness.\n

What are the benefits of a digital detox?\n

A digital detox can work wonders for our mental health and wellbeing.\n

Shutting off from technology can\u00a0improve sleep\u00a0and concentration, reduce stress, and boost happiness levels. Here are a few examples of the power of a digital detox\n

A digital detox can help depression\n

UK psychologists have found a strong link between intense internet use and depression. In a recent\u00a0BBC study found that 1.2% of 1,319 people were ‘internet addicts’ and were found to be suffering from depression. Three-quarters of UK internet users\u00a0said it is important to their daily lives and 59% said they are \u201chooked\u201d on the device they use to connect with others.\n

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Swapping time spent online for socialising face-to-face can really help with those suffering from depression and improve your relationships with your friends and family.\n

A digital detox may help prevent eating disorders\n

Spending all that time on social media, looking at others’ ‘perfect’ lives can really take its toll.\n

One\u00a0study found that women who spend long periods of time on social networks like Facebook were found to have a higher number of ‘appearance-focused behaviour’ e.g. anorexia and body-conscious issues. Instead of wasting your time comparing yourself to others, spend time with your real friends offline. Be sure to surround yourself with people who are similar to you.\n

And why not check out The Most Weight-Loss Friendly Foods\u00a0\n

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A digital detox can help reduce stress &\u00a0anxiety\n

Do you check your phone within the first five minutes or even the first five seconds of waking up?\u00a0Evidence tends to suggest that 80% of people do. \u00a0By reducing our reliance on technology, we can live a calmer life and concentrate more on what’s going on around us.\u00a0\n

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How to make your digital detox a sure success?\n

Start small & commit to one change\n

Similar to weight loss, a lot of us set unrealistic goals and it often becomes so overwhelming that we set ourselves up for failure.\n

Instead, start with one small habit like banning all devices at dinner or turning your phone off before bedtime.\n

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Find a detox buddy\n

Things are always easier when you team up with someone else. This way, you can gain a level of support where you can discuss your progress, encourage each other and be honest\u00a0about your progress.\n

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Leave your gadgets at home\n

Are you that rude person that answers a call in the line at the\u00a0supermarket? Maybe you can\u2019t resist checking a text at the cinema?\n

Try going out without your headphones, phone or any other gadgets every now and again, especially on short journeys where these gadgets aren\u2019t necessary. You might surprise yourself at how quickly you lose your reliance for these items.\n

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TOP TIP: If you’re\u00a0working from home, try putting your gadgets in a drawer\n

Get some shut-eye with a digital detox\n

Your bedroom is for sleeping, so don’t turn it into a cinema, a shopping centre, a bank or a casino with your devices. Turn everything off and leave any devices you own in another room at least two hours before heading off to bed to make sure you get a\u00a0good night\u2019s sleep.\n

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\u00a0Set a timer\n

If you find you can\u2019t live without your tech for long periods of time, allocate certain times where you don\u2019t use it whatsoever. Some people set themselves timers on their computers and make an effort to leave the office at lunchtime\u00a0or to turn off their phone while they eat.\n

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Give others your undivided attention\n

When we’re sat on our phones or laptops, we’re not giving people our full attention. Have you ever been sat talking to someone while they’re on their phone? How rude! Now imagine how they feel when you do it to them. Make an effort to sit and talk to people and engage with what’s happening around you.\n

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Pick up a non-digital hobby\n

Have you ever neglected a hobby? Guilty! Why not pick it back up? Whether you fancy cooking, sewing or catching up with a book before bed, these hobbies will help you relax and will make you feel better for achieving something in your spare time.\n

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Organise your email & set up a priority only email account\n

If you’re like me and you sign up for everything, prepare yourself. This might be a mammoth task, but it’s worth it. Organise, label as junk and delete any emails in your inbox. Then set up an emergency email account and give it a different notification sound on all your devices so that you know it takes priority. Anything else can usually wait.\n

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Get your body moving\n

What\u2019s great about a digital detox is that it gives you the chance to de-stress and pursue other meaningful activities.\n

Get moving outdoors, at home with\u00a0simple exercises, or join a gym class like yoga or spinning to help get the blood flowing and keep your brain active on something positive. You’ll\u00a0burn calories\u00a0and feel great!\n