It is hard to say it out loud sometimes, but I’m a chronic phone user… I feel uncomfortable if I don’t have my phone with me at all times (yes, bathroom included). If you’re anything like me and wondering how to disconnect from the digital world, then this article is for you.
I use my phone around 4-5 hours a day with the excuse that as a content creator, I need to be constantly updated. But, even if your job relies on being online most of the time, you can implement these tips to unplug from social media and the chaos of the world. I started implementing the “no-phone day” a while back, and since then, I’ve noticed how dependent I am on my phone. I realized that the more you unplug, the more you realize that the wonderful and rich life you want is out there – it’s meant to be lived, not watched behind screens.
Here are simple ways to recharge by disconnecting from technology:
1. Silent walks
Walking without headphones seems boring since you don’t have anything to do right? I strongly disagree with this. As someone who tried both, going on silent walks is entirely different. Being constantly exposed to stimulus, either listening to music or podcasts to fill the silence doesn’t give your brain a chance to reap the benefits of silent walks, such as:
- Mindfulness: silent walks without distractions allow you to focus on being present in the moment, absorbing your surroundings, monitoring your thoughts, and the act of walking itself.
- Mental clarity: many successful people have talked about how going on a walk is the best way they deal with problems, brainstorm ideas, etc. It gives your mind a chance to wander, fostering creativity and deeper thoughts.
- Connection with nature. If you’re walking somewhere with natural sights, silent walks allow you to fully immerse yourself in the sounds of nature, like leaves rustling, birds chirping, and the sound of a stream, enhancing your experience and nature connection.
Not only do I do this with walking, but with strength training too. No headphones at the gym helped develop my mind-muscle connection; it helps with being more focused on the movement of the muscle. Do I still blast Lose Yourself by Eminem on low-motivation days? I sure do. Finding your balance is key to benefit from both.
2. Go on a quick weekend getaway
After another week of signing in at 9 am and staring at a computer screen for eight consistent hours, there’s no doubt you will feel stuck in a rut after doing this 5 days a week. Then you use your phone as an escape from reality. It’s the easiest and closest source of dopamine rush you can find, right?
Although this routine seems to be the most realistic thing to do after a long week, it tends to be too confusing at some point and leaves us in need of technology for a quick dopamine rush. It makes us feel bad because it goes against human nature – we’re not meant to live on autopilot and consume that much artificial dopamine.
Whether you’re a traveler or a vacationer, the benefits of a weekend getaway are the same, and here are some of them:
- Stress reduction: Getting away from your daily routine allows you to unwind and recharge, reducing stress levels significantly.
- Improved mood: Exploring new places or doing different activities boosts your mood and increases happiness.
- Building strong connections: Spending quality time with loved ones, or even by yourself, fosters stronger relationships and self-reflection.
- Increased productivity: Work hard, rest harder. Taking breaks has been proven to increase productivity – a weekend getaway will refresh your mind, making you more focused and efficient when you return.
- A shift in perspective: We never know when our next “AHA!” moment will be. It could be in the most mundane time and place ever, however, stepping away from the familiar increases your chances and provides a fresh perspective on life, work, or personal matters.
- Adding richness to life. Creating new memories and experiences makes you full of life and rich in experiences. You will surely cherish those memories for years to come!
3. Pick up a good read
I used to be a reader at some point, but I can barely pick up a book for 30 minutes without ending up in an endless loop of scrolling. When I was younger, I would wait till it was a vacation to read all the books on my bookshelf. I decided to get back to this hobby because of the unique benefits it offers and disconnects you from the world for a while.
I remember how good it felt to immerse in an entirely different world, viewing it from my perspective, picturing all the events, and getting emotional over a fictional character who died (hello, The Fault In Our Stars!).
Here’s a glimpse into some of the benefits of popular book genres:
- Fiction: Escapism. Fictional worlds offer an escape from reality allowing the readers to immerse themselves in the characters’ lives, fostering empathy by seeing the world through different perspectives. Also, the complex plots can challenge the mind and enhance cognitive abilities.
- Non-fiction: Whether self-help, motivational, biographies, or memories, non-fiction books provide knowledge on subjects that expand their understanding and provide insights.
- Science Fiction/Fantasy: These genres transport you to fantastical worlds which stimulate imagination and creativity. Most books in these genres also explore complex societal issues, allowing you to reflect on human behaviors.
- Romance: I love the sense of warmth that romance books give – they’re focused on relationships, emotions, and personal connections which provide all the warmth.
- Mystery/Thriller: Gives you that adrenaline rush wherever you are. Not to mention stimulating critical thinking when being involved in solving puzzles or mysteries.
4. Start hobbies
Photo by Ona Creative on Unsplash
Many of us, myself included, would find ourselves interested in many hobbies but wouldn’t start. Instead, we’re constantly working, resting on weekends, scrolling after work, and occupied with whatever life throws at us without giving ourselves the chance to explore new hobbies. And who knows? Maybe it can turn into your lifelong dream career!
Starting is the hardest part, but it doesn’t have to be complicated, find the things that intrigue you and are accessible. You don’t want to start surfing while living in Norway!
Here are some tips on how to start hobbies:
- Start small: Don’t be pressured to be the best at a hobby you just started immediately and start different hobbies at the same time. Begin with basic and easy activities to get comfortable. If you’re interested in becoming a painter, start with simple sketches.
- Identify your interests: What intrigues you? Think about what sparks your interest. Do you like astrology? Does astrophotography make you excited? Whatever gives you that spark, follow it.
- Research and explore: Join communities or forums where enthusiasts share tips and experiences. Look for resources online to get a deeper dive into whether you’d like to pursue this hobby or not.
- Practice consistently. Dedicating regular time in your schedule to practice is key to mastery. It doesn’t have to be an overwhelming amount of time. Even a short amount of time is enough, as long as it’s sustainable.
Final thoughts
The digital world sure makes us miss out on life. Although I’m grateful for how much easier and connected technology has made our lives, I understand that life is not meant to be lived behind screens and each should find their balance. What are your ways to unplug? What does the perfect balance look like to you? Leave your thoughts in the comments, I’d love to hear from you!