Sarah Jacobson 
In today’s technology-driven world, many of our daily tasks require us to use a smartphone, or other connected device in order to carry them out. Whether it’s banking, internet shopping or just checking the weather forecast for the next few days, it’s almost impossible to avoid tech for any period of time.
As a result, many of us spend hours online, but we’re not always carrying out essential tasks. In many cases, we might find ourselves scrolling mindlessly through social media or constantly checking our emails to see who’s been in touch.
It’s not a healthy landscape, and there are many potentially negative health issues involved. As a result, there is much discussion around the practice of digital detoxing. It’s taking a while to build momentum, but there are signs that this could well be the next health craze.
Health on the Line
Studies show that too much time on our phones can eventually lead to chronic eye strain and neck strain, among many other issues. It’s also been revealed that excessive use of digital products can lead to physical changes to the brain, along with other negative cognitive factors.
While spending extended periods of time on social media may help us feel connected, it can actually make us isolated from the real world. Technology is taking over, but a digital detox is a way to fight back.
Setting Limits
Gamers are among many online communities looking to promote digital detoxing. They do this by setting a time limit on their play before they log on. Ahead of each session, the player decides how long they will spend on their screen before switching off. It could be a thirty minute timeframe, or they may want to complete a specific action within their game.
Players at online casinos can also do this through their operator. Digital casino play is hugely popular, with lots of options for card and table games. Slots such as Amazing Link Zeus have a number of features, including Divine Free Spins and the Almighty Amazing Link which can keep players entertained for a long period of time, so ensuring players don’t get carried away is important. While this area of gaming has a wide following, it can also lead to excessive game time, and that’s something we want to avoid.
Casino operators look to promote responsible play via a number of different tools. Before heading to the slots or the card tables, players can set time limits such as twenty or thirty minutes. It’s a healthier approach and one that we can easily promote in other areas of digital usage.
Before you head to your favourite social media platform, think about setting a limit on your use. One benefit of having a smartphone is that you can easily set an alarm to go off when your time is up. Think about a 15-minute session as a starting point, and put the phone down when the alarm sounds.
Find Your Distraction
It’s a sad fact that many of us forget what actually engaged us before digital technology took over. What, exactly, were our favourite hobbies from those long-forgotten analogue days?
Rediscovering what makes us tick is a great way to kickstart your digital detox. Maybe you like to write, so why not rediscover your passion by keeping a journal? Others may prefer a walk in nature, so get your hiking boots and grab a camera to snap what you see along the way.
Anything that doesn’t involve technology is a good option if you want to start digital detoxing. Gardening, reading, jigsaw puzzles, board games and sewing are just a few more suggestions.
Setting Your Boundaries
Undertaking a digital detox starts with small steps, and there are some tips to follow if you are just starting out. Firstly, think about creating a tech-free zone, by designating a room in your home where phones and other electronic equipment are not allowed.
You can also set a boundary by turning off notifications for non-essential apps. You really don’t need to know when your contacts post on social media, so think about switching these off. You could also log out of your accounts to extend your time away.
If you have to keep texts, Messenger and WhatsApp free, that’s fine, as you don’t want to prevent important messages from getting through.
Be Creative
If you’re serious about taking a break from technology, you may find it hard to achieve your targets in the early stages. These are the toughest of times, but there are ways in which you can be creative and actually make your detox fun.
Think about arranging to meet up with some friends for a coffee. Tell them about your detox plans and suggest that they join in. When you get together, place all of your phones in the middle of the table. The first person to cave in and check their device picks up the bill. Fun games such as these offer a way to keep things interesting as you work through your detox.
It can be hard, particularly in those early days, but a detox is worth it. Follow these tips, take time to ditch the tech, and rediscover your passions away from the electronics.
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