Did you know that Australians are spending up to 7 hours a day on the web, using their phones, tablets, and computers?
Australians aren’t the only ones who are spending way too much time on their devices, as studies all around the world have revealed that people are spending many hours a day on their phones, tablets, or computers.
Spending too much time on these devices can be harmful to a person’s physical and mental health, so how can we become less dependent on our devices?
Destination: device detox
If you think that you are spending too much time on your devices, then you might want to consider having a detox. Set yourself a set amount of time whereby you go without your devices, this could just be a day or two.
If you need to have technology devices for work, you could set yourself a minimum time of using your devices (i.e. during the working day) and then make sure you don’t go on them when you are not working.
“Although technology has vastly improved our lives it can also be used too much. Technology can make some people spend less time with their friends and family, which can result in them feeling more isolated and alone. So every now and again a technology detox is always a good idea,” says technology expert, Connor Wood, from Techspring.
Tips on how to detox from your devices
Some people might not even realise how much time they spend on their phone, tablet, or computer. Whilst others may struggle to detox from their devices, so here are a few tips on how you can stop using your devices too much.
- Ask yourself ‘why?’
Often people use their phones to distract themselves or avoid what is happening in front of them. So next time you go to get your phone out, ask yourself ‘why? Why am I getting my phone out? Is it really necessary?’ Chances are you are just bored, or uneasy and want to distract yourself.
- The rule of thirds
If you were to split your day up into thirds then you would have 8 hours at work, 8 hours asleep, and 8 hours of free time. Studies have shown that working longer doesn’t mean that you are more productive, so if you are guilty of checking work emails in your free time, you need to stop.
- Spend a day away from your devices
It is perhaps easier said than done, however, during the week dedicate at least one day a week where you aren’t on your phone, tablet, or computer. For those who work with technology, this works best at the weekend so choose a day away from your phone. Spend the day in nature, or with your friends and leave all your devices at home and just see how much you enjoy the freedom of being away from technology.
Not ready for a technology detox? There are other ways you can try and cut down your technology usage, such as apps that tell you how much you use your devices and can lock your devices so you can’t use them.
