Digital detox: regain control of your life

In the era of smartphones and social networks, it seems almost impossible to disconnect from the digital world. But what if we told you there's a way to take back control of your time and attention? Join us as we explore how to break free from internet addiction and embark on a digital detox.

Dependency on the digital world is growing

We live in an era where being online is not just a choice but often a necessity. Work, entertainment, communication with loved ones – all take place on our device screens. This constant connectivity brings many benefits, but we also pay a high price.

Studies show that the average person spends more than 7 hours online daily, with 80% of people checking their phones within 15 minutes of waking up. Even more alarming is the link between social networks and increased rates of depression and anxiety.

These statistics are more than just numbers—they are a warning. A warning that it's time to reevaluate our relationship with technology and find a healthier way to use it. The answer may lie in a digital detox, which can help you find balance between real and online life.

How to know if you need a digital detox?

You might be thinking, 'This doesn't apply to me. I have everything under control.' But before you dismiss this thought, consider the following questions.

1. Do you often find yourself distracted by social networks during work, unable to focus on the task at hand?
2. Do you feel anxious or even panic when you realize you've left your phone at home?
3. Do you spend more time communicating online than having face-to-face meetings with family and friends?

If you answered yes to these questions, it might be time to reflect on your digital life. Other warning signs might include sleep disturbances caused by late-night device usage or even physical symptoms like headaches, back pain, or wrist pain from excessive use of electronics.

How to do an effective digital detox

1. Set 'digital boundaries'

Create no-technology zones and times. For example:

• no phones at the dining table,
• turn off notifications after 8 PM,
• Sundays as social media-free days.

2. Practice 'mindful scrolling'

Before opening a social network, ask yourself: 'Why am I doing this?' You'll often find you're doing it out of habit, not necessity. Open your phone only when you will actively engage with the activity, rather than mindlessly scrolling.

3. Discover the magic of 'analog' activities

Return to activities that do not require technology. These might be:

• reading paper books,
• painting or drawing,
• outdoor activities.

4. Implement the 20-20-20 rule

If you work on a computer, try adopting the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet (about 6 meters) away for 20 seconds. Your eyes will thank you.

5 apps to help with digital detox

Ironically, technology can help us combat excessive use of technology. There are apps designed to block sites or track time spent online.

1. Forest

The Forest app is one of the most creative ways to focus while limiting time on your phone. The principle is simple—you plant a virtual tree that grows while you focus on tasks. If you open another app, the tree withers. This way, you can create a small forest while also improving your productivity.

2. RescueTime

RescueTime analyzes how much time you spend on various websites and apps. It provides detailed statistics to help you identify where you're spending the most time and offers tips on better time management. You can also set goals to achieve greater productivity each day.

3. Freedom

Freedom is an app that allows you to block distracting websites and apps. You can create lists of sites to block during work hours or evening relaxation. With Freedom, you can easily set time intervals to be offline, and the app ensures you won't be able to connect.

4. Moment

Moment is an app that provides statistics on how much time you spend on your phone and how many times you pick it up throughout the day. You can also set daily limits, and Moment will notify you when you exceed the set time.

5. StayFocusd

If you have trouble procrastinating on websites during work or study, StayFocusd is a Chrome browser extension that lets you set limits for individual websites. Once you've exhausted your allotted time, the site will be blocked, allowing you to better focus on productive activities.

As you can see, a digital detox is not about completely giving up technology. It's about gaining control of your digital life and finding balance. First, understand your relationship with technology, and then look for ways to spend your time more effectively.