Technology is everywhere and this takeover is only growing with phones, tablets, watches, computers and who knows what’s to come next. There is no doubt that technology plays a huge roll in our daily lives and can be beneficial but sometimes a break is in order to become more connected to what really matters and improve your overall well-being. This is where working smarter with technology or having a detox can be extremely beneficial.

So here are some tips to minimize your tech use and perform your own digital detox.

1. Put the blue-light to bed. Blue light is produced naturally from the sun but is also produced from our screens. Blue light prevents melatonin production, which is the hormone that tells you its time to sleep. So consider turning off the screens at least an hour before bed to improve sleep quality and get into those deeper more beneficial stages of sleep.

2. Set no technology zones in your home. Consider removing devices from the bedroom, kitchen and dining room because it is more fun to eat and sleep with people. Plus, checking your phone during the night is a recipe for disaster, as touched on with the blue light tip above.

3. Taking a holiday? Step away from tech too. Make the most of the vacation and the people you are with. Next time you’re tempted to add another Instagram post or Facebook status, resist the urge.

4. Impose a daily limit on tech time. Consider checking your email fewer times a day, going on social media less and turning your phone off by a specific time at night. Many newer phones offer a ‘lockout’ option, which turns off an app once you’ve been on it for a set amount time. This could help restrict extended periods scrolling needlessly!

5. Find something new to do with all the spare time you’ve gained!

Often the first step to start minimizing or detoxing from tech is being aware of just how much time you are spending on it. Using the settings on your phone can often tell you this and it even breaks it down so you can see what specifically is taking up your time.

Give it a shot and let us know how you got on at your next appointment