How To Do A Technology Detox

Are you on technological overload, and it’s time to do something about it? When you spend more time talking on the phone than you do sleeping, you know it’s time to do a technology detox. Here’s how to ease yourself away from your computer or phone and back into reality:
 

1. First step is to avoid "tech turds". Don’t just dump your smart phone on the table at a restaurant or at home. Keep it in your pocket or purse unless it’s critical to have it out. If you do have it out please inform your companion you will only check it in an emergency. It’s out of respect to do so. 
   
   
2. Second, live your life in the real world. You don’t need to constantly post a status update or tweet or blog about something in your life. Anything you post or tweet, make sure it’s something you’d be willing to say to anyone in face. 
   
   
3. Thirdly, ask yourself if you really need the gadget. There are tons of cool stuff in the technological world and some may even improve your family life, but don’t feel pressured to use every new toy that comes out.
   
   
4. Fourth, sleep device-free. Move your chargers out of the bedroom to another room or to the other side of the room. They need a break from you too.
   
   
5. Fifth step is to decide between people or technology. Work towards choosing to spend time with your family freinds over being plugged in your devices. Yes, there are times that it may be difficult to choose between your smart phone or laptop and paying attention to your child or loved one or friend. Do your best to use your device more on your own time rather during the time you share with loved ones.
   
   
6. Sixth step, structure your e-day. Arrange a time that you will dedicate checking your e-mails, reading texts and following-up. When you’re ready to un-plug in the evening, do it without reservation and focus on the here and now.
   
   
7. Seventh step is to make plans and set goals. Chances are that you will really need something to keep pushing you towards technology independence. Just as dieting, you need to plan and keep in mind the smart criteria  for goal setting: specific, measureable, accurate, realistic, and timely. 
   
   
8. Eighth step, draw up a game plan. Ask yourself how will you spend time that has been freed from shutting out technology? Explore other activities that won’t require you to be plugged in. Look into other hobbies that don’t revolve around technology. It’s important to establish healthy habits.
   
   
9. Lastly, believe in the power of choice. Don’t feel robbed from your freedom. It’s hard to resist change but it’s about embracing it.

 

 

Technology has overwhelmed our daily lives to the point of constant distraction. Many of us no longer focus on single tasks or face-to-face conversation without wanting to reach out to the virtual world. We are constantly plugged in! This plan will help you regain control and focus on your life!

Tip: Once you completed the digital detox, return to the detox phase at least once a month to once a week. You can do this as a family too. Use that day as a touchstone to remember what life can be like without technology.

National Day of Un-plugging!

Do you have multiple technology devices? Do you take your phone out of your pocket every 5 minutes? Do you find it hard to get through a conversation without posting a tweet or post? Is your computer always on?

While researching technology Sabbath and ways to detox from social media, I came across this fascinating website: National Day of Un-plugging. It’s an interesting campaign that encourages people like us to not miss out on important moments of our lives by having our noses buried in iPhones and iPads. It’s a movement that protects you from Facebook and Twitter for a day.

The National Day of Unplugging is a 24 hour period- running from sunset to sunset and starts the first Friday in March. When you join the movement you sign the unplug pledge and start living a different life. You will have the opportunity to finally connect with people in your community, and have an uninterrupted meal or actually pick up a book.

The following is an image of me pledging to unplug to reconnect with family and friends:

The project is an outgrowth of the Sabbath Manifesto, an adaptation of carving out one day a week to unwind, unplug, relax, reflect, get outdoors, and connect with loved ones. The meaning behind this is to simply take a break. Call a timeout. Find some balance. Recharge.

Do you want to join the movement? So, SAVE THE DATE to un-plug from March 7th -8th, 2014. It should be a liberating experience! Maybe after getting through one day you might want to incorporate un-plugging once a week in your daily routine. You never know,  just give it a try!

10 Ways to Utilize Social Media

Have any of you thought on how to really use social media? Most of us just use it to use it. Or we primarily make accounts to keep in contact with friends and family. We’re constantly plugged-in, because we want to always be in the know of things and be the first ones to get the scoop. But there’s more to social media. It can be about relating meaningfully to other people.

          Here’s a list of 10 tips to use social media mindfully:

1. Know your intentions: Think before you post! Ask yourself if you’re posting to be seen or validated by your fellow followers or friends? Is it constructive or is it negative?


2. Be your authentic self: Social media are a way of personal branding. You have your image and reputation to maintain. You should want to post comments and tweets that are related to you. They should communicate the person you are.


3.  Before you tweet or post, always ask: Is it true? Is it kind?: Sometimes we get too caught up in emotions and forget to filter our thoughts. We must be considerate when making posts. You must not forget that potential employers may read your profiles. You want to make a positive impression oppose to a negative one.


4.  Offer posts of kindness: Use social media to extend a helping hand to those in need, without expecting anything in return. You may create a connection that will help you later down the road. A simple tweet might consist of, “Is there anything I can do to help you?”


5.  Experience now, share later: It’s common to take a picture and upload instantly to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. It defeats the purpose of living in the moment. You shouldn’t want to share everything in real time with your audiences. Enjoy the moment and share later. That’s the beauty of technology today. Photos or videos can be stored and uploaded later.


6.  Be active: I know some of you may have your e-mails and social media accounts linked to your phone, so it's set to give you alerts. You may feel the urge to answer immediately but you have the choice to indulge in that conversation later. You may want to enjoy your free time to truly appreciate it.


7. Respond with your full attention: When your friends or followers share links, it’s good to fully read it and respond. You may not be able to respond to everyone but at least respond to those thoughtfully.


8.  Use mobile social media sparingly: I know many of you may be plugged in at times but it’s up to us to decide how much time we truly dedicate to social media. I know as college students we tend to check into your social media several times a day. You may miss what’s happening online but you won’t miss what’s in front of you (good company).


9.  Let go: It may come off as rude when if you ignore a tweet or post but we need to ensure we have downtime. It’s important to just let go sometimes and relax. Rather than catching up on updates you may want to catch up with an old friend and have lunch.


10.  Last but not least, enjoy it: The above are ways to get the most of social media. Follow your own instincts and have fun with it.

As mentioned, the above tips are just a few ways to utilize social media to its advantage. However, you can feel free to do as you feel. Just remember that it’s okay to be disconnected from technology. Just don’t lose the focus of living in the moment. Don’t get too caught up in uploading every time something happens. Also, remember to respond thoughtfully. You want to establish and maintain relationships you build online.