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18 Surprisingly Easy Ways to Get Digital Detox For Families

June 26, 2021

Technology is a wonderful thing. It’s given us Netflix, online shopping, video games, and social media! Sometimes though, digital detox for families means you can take a break from the cat memes and ‘recharge’ .

With infinite knowledge and endless distraction just a click away, it’s more important than ever to create healthy boundaries with technology.

So tune in, turn off, and drop out because our friends at Porch have all the info you need to find that sweet spot between staying connected and getting unplugged. 

Digital Detox for Kids

What is a Digital Detox?

A digital detox is when you disconnect from your TV, smartphone, video games, and social media so you can focus on real-life without the distraction of a screen.

Don’t worry—a digital detox isn’t forever! Take a mini-detox after work, read a book on your morning commute instead of scrolling through the news, or make Sundays a tech-free day –– do whatever works for you!

What matters the most is that you create time for your brain to reset.

Consequences of Always Being Connected

These days, we’re more connected than ever.

When it feels impossible to step away from the tweets, and you can’t stop doom-scrolling the news, you know it’s time for a digital detox.

Being connected 24/7 might have you staying up late to play video games.

Disconnecting is an integral part of any self-care routine for anyone who wants to optimize their creativity, productivity and have more energy.

Negative Effects of Technology on Your Brain

You might not realize it, but too much technology harms your brain.

From having a lower stress threshold to disrupting your beauty sleep, our screens are silently altering the way our brains work. And it doesn’t stop there.

Here are some of the negative effects technology has on that wrinkly pink thing between our ears.

  • Reduces creativity
    • Technology encourages instant gratification and prevents us from having the patience needed for the more profound thinking skills associated with creativity.
  • Negatively affects relationships
    • More time spent on devices means less time spent with the people you love and makes us feel less satisfaction and connection.
  • Impaired social intelligence
    • Spending too much time in front of a screen interferes with our ability to learn from successes, failures, and the people around us.
  • Trouble concentrating
    • Technology is constantly pulling us in multiple directions at once, making it hard to focus on what’s in front of us.
  • Disrupts sleeping habits
    • The blue light screens emit has been proven to disrupt the circadian rhythms that help us sleep at night.
Digital Detox

Benefits of Having a Digital Detox

Banish the digital distractions and reap the benefits of a techno-free life. Cutting out technology has massive mental health benefits.

And you’ll be amazed at how much better you feel when you aren’t constantly connected.

Benefits of a digital detox include:

  • Enhanced sleep
    • Without blue light and the temptation to keep scrolling, you’ll get better z’s and have more energy in the morning.
  • Increased productivity
    • Less tech means more time to get things done. When you’re not staring at a screen, you’ll have more time to do the things that matter.
  • Better posture
    • “Tech neck” is a real thing, and improved posture is a significant benefit to ditching your devices. (Read about some other reasons for back pain).
  • Improved relationships
    • Having more time for your loved ones can only be a good thing. Notice how much closer you feel to the people around you after going tech-free.
  • More time for hobbies
    • Going on a digital detox gives you ample time to explore all those hobbies you’d long forgotten. 

How to Do a Digital Detox

Give your brain a break! Read up on how to do a digital detox below.

We’ve got tips on what to do instead of scrolling, how to get your friends involved, and how to stick to your new detox routine.

1. Do other activities instead

Harken back to the days of yore and try some tech-free activities.

Getting a vacation from technology will offer you a fresh start.

Go for a walk, get the family together for a game night, or read a book instead of staring at your phone.

Take up knitting or learn how to bake gourmet desserts. This is an excellent way for getting a digital detox for kids if you have them.

2. Establish limits and goals

Each week, make a goal of spending less and less time using technology.

Start with a half-hour of tech-free time each day, then increase it to an hour the next week and keep going.

3. Get your loved ones involved

Get your family involved to make going tech-free a fun challenge.

Check everyone’s smartphone at the end of the week to see who spent the least time looking at their screen.

For parents wanting to include a digital detox for kids, this is also a must-do.

Whoever wins gets to choose their favourite takeout for dinner or pick what to watch on movie night.

4. Reward yourself

Whenever you’ve accomplished offline time, give yourself an award.

Go out for a tech-free date night to your favourite restaurant, or get yourself that thing that’s been on your wishlist for ages.

Set up a special ritual for your digital detox, like a spa night.

Types of Digital Detoxes

There are a ton of ways to take a tech break.

Pick a couple of methods that work for you and give them a go for at least a week. On your digital detox day, feel free to tweak times or alternate days to fit your schedule.

Some days you might need to be on your phone or take a video call during a detox period, so roll with the punches and stay flexible. 

5. Disconnect for a period of time

Designate a period of time each day that you’ll go tech-free.

Lunch, after work, or before bedtime are all great places to start.

Make it part of your routine, then see how you’re feeling after a week.

Many people end up expanding their tech-free time because they love how it makes them feel.

6. Have technology-free meals

Ditching your devices during meals encourages you to not only appreciate the food you’re eating but to enjoy the company you’re in.

Make it a rule that no phones are allowed at the dinner table, turn the TV off, and notice how much fuller your heart and belly feel. 

digital detox for kids

Find a Balance with Technology

Digital burnout is real, and finding a happy medium is integral to living life in the age of the computer.

We’ve got a few analog remedies to soothe your digital aches.

7. Prioritize human connection

We’ve all had that experience where we’re trying to hold a conversation with someone who’s more interested in what’s on their phone than in the person right in front of them. Always prioritize the people in your life over the content on your phone.

8. Limit tech time for children

Technology can have a negative impact on children. It’s important to have both a set ‘tech’ use routine and incorporate digital detox for kids occasionally. Give your kids time limits on their digital devices.

Use video games as a reward for doing homework and chores. Make sure your kids have a healthy relationship with social media by setting an age limit. You can also make sure they don’t get caught up in comparing their life to the lives of others.

9. Find work-life balance

Finding a work/life balance when you work from home is a real struggle. Creating an equilibrium by letting your coworkers know you won’t be available after the workday is done and turning off all your work-related notifications.

Unplugging your Home to Help

If you find yourself struggling to take a digital detox, try setting up your home to help you succeed. We’ve got some easy-to-implement tips that make disconnecting a cinch.

10. Use tech to disconnect

Even on your non-digital detox day, fight technology with technology by turning off your notifications so your digital detox won’t be disturbed by dings and beeps.

There are tons of time-limiting apps nowadays that turn off your tech for you or timed cellphone jails that keep your phone locked away for a set amount of time.

11. Park your devices

Set up a tech station at the front door with a table or drawer with all your chargers.

When you walk in the door, plug in your devices so you aren’t tempted to use them.

If you are practising digital detox for kids, this encourages you and your family to focus on hobbies, books and spending more time with each other.

12. Go outdoors

Take a walk, go to the lake, or just hang out in your backyard and enjoy the outdoors.

Getting outside is one of the best ways to detox from your devices, and it’s an easy activity to get the whole family involved in.

13. Create a home that helps you disconnect

Set your home up for success. Start by putting up a table in your entryway where you can park your devices.

Next, designate a room where no devices are allowed.

Instead of having TVs in the kitchen, living room, and every bedroom, just have one in your entertainment room and call it good.

Create No-Tech Zones at Home

Creating no-tech zones is one of the easiest ways to hold a digital detox day – every day.

It might sound intimidating to have an area in your home where devices aren’t allowed, but we promise you’ll love the difference it makes in your life.

14. Create an ‘unplugged’ room

Designate one room in your house that’s free of any digital devices.

No TVs, computers, iPads, or phones are allowed.

Make it super cosy with couches, pillows, plants, and blankets; then bring in anything and everything you love that doesn’t involve a screen.

Think books, crossword puzzles, board games and that hobby aeroplane you’ve been building.

You can set up a music nook so you can finally learn how to play the guitar.

15. Leave technology out of your bedroom

  • Park your phone in the living room overnight to create a quiet bedroom environment.
  • Use an alarm clock instead of relying on your phone to wake you up in the morning.
  • Replace your night-time TV show with a book instead.

16. Enjoy a techno-free kitchen

 Sometimes it’s necessary to open up your phone while you’re cooking to reference a recipe.

All the other times, unplug the kitchen and practice mindfulness while making breakfast or enjoying a mid-afternoon snack.

Digital Detox for Kids

Unplug your Home While You’re Away

The hidden energy costs of plugged-in appliances could be adding to your electricity bill.

Why not try out these tips to save money while you’re away:

17. Unplug your devices to improve safety

Keeping all your devices plugged in while you’re away can potentially be a fire hazard.

Older electronics, in particular, run the risk of overheating and causing electrical fires.

Unplugging them when you go on vacation will not only save you money but give you peace of mind. 

18. Save energy

Save energy by enabling sleep mode on your devices to keep their batteries going for longer.

Older appliances are less energy-efficient than newer models, so replace any outdated electronics with modern energy-wise models.

Electronics you Should (and Shouldn’t) Unplug

Do: Unplug small kitchen appliances like your coffee maker, microwave, and food processor.

If you’re going to be gone for a while, unplug your chargers and entertainment system, too, since they use a lot of energy.

Don’t: Don’t unplug large kitchen appliances like the fridge or dishwasher.

Keep power strips, carbon monoxide detectors, and the fire alarm plugged in.

You can keep your high-efficiency electronics plugged in since they’re unlikely to zap a ton of energy while not in use. 

A daily, weekly, or monthly digital detox helps you stay connected to your physical surroundings, reduces stress and anxiety, and gives you time to enjoy your family, nature, or a hobby.

These tips will help you find just the right balance for you.

What do you think? Are there any other digital detox day tips you can add – let us know in the comments below!

This article was originally published at Porch.

Editing by AskAwayHealth Team

Disclaimer

All AskAwayHealth articles are written by practising  Medical Practitioners on a wide range of healthcare conditions to provide evidence-based guidance and to help promote quality healthcare. The advice in our material is not meant to replace the management of your specific condition by a qualified healthcare practitioner.
To discuss your condition, please contact a health practitioner or reach us directly

Our post contains affiliate links at no cost to you. You are in no way obligated to use these links. Thank you for being so supportive!

Image Credits: Canva

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