Digital detox

Technology is awesome and it gives us access to information and allow us to stay in touch with one another, however, too much of it can cause brain drain. Our well-being is measured by physical and emotional experience and technology has now become part of that experience. Our tech habits are negatively impacting our mental well-being and leading us to an unhealthy lifestyle.

Last year, Google introduced digital well-being tool on Android 9 ( https://wellbeing.google/) to encourage people to understand how they can use the technology around them and to encourage healthy habits.

This doesn't mean that you have to go completely offline but rather take control of your own tech habits to develop healthy and balanced relationship with technology.

So, let's look at some ways to develop healthy habits to find the right balance.

1) No Cell-phone zone: 
Set a designated time to log off  your smart devices daily.  Make sure to keep your laptop and phones away from your bed. By doing so, you are giving your full attention to your present moment. As the saying goes, "Do everything in mindfulness so you can really be there, so you can love " by Thich Nhat Hanh. It will be hard at first but try to make it into a habit and you will reap the benefits soon.

2) Have fun: 
You do not need an agenda or rules to have fun. If you do the above you will learn to do things spontaneously. Being present in the moment gives you happiness. 

3) Take up physical activity:
Whether it's in gym or outdoor, you should aim to be active daily, even if its for an hour. Being active will improve your mental and physical health. I personally go to the gym and do hot yoga. 

4) Socialize with others (face-to-face):
Delete unwanted social media apps and instead make an effort to meet people face-to-face. There are many benefits in human interaction whether its sharing your feelings, thoughts, problems, or ideas. Social isolation can give rise to anxiety and depression which will ultimately impact your well-being. 

5) Learn new non-digital activities:
I am sure there must be, at least, one new activity that you are interested in learning. I, myself, like to be creative and to do jewelry making, cooking, gardening but there are plenty of other activities and you should consider.

6) Read a book:
Well, no e-books instead choose a physical book and read it.

7) Take day- off for digital detox:
Approach as a day off day. Keep away all your electronics and social media away from you. And, if you're one of those people who can't live without watching news, you may choose a designated time and watch only news.

8) Have ME time:
'Me time' is very important for all of us. It doesn't mean that you have to spend whole day at parlor instead you should take 20 minutes or one hour break to relax and rejuvenate. You can treat yourself by taking yourself out for lunch at favorite cafe or take a nap :)

9) Take a walk in the nature:
Walking in nature is very therapeutic and it is not only good for your heart and fitness but reduces mental stress. You can gain positive energy from nature which boost your personal well-being and happiness.

10) Take spontaneous trips:
Use your weekends to explore new places and spend quality time with family and friends.
I would like to hear from you...............

Share your tips below on how you do digital cleansing.