Now more than ever before, it is easy to get caught up in the endless cycle of notifications from email, social media and apps. Technology has a lot of great benefits, but constant connectivity can also lead to burn out, decreased productivity and a lack of balance in our lives. Because of this, a digital detox, best described as an intentional time away from screens. can be helpful to reset our wellbeing. 

Here are 5 digital detox tips you can try this week to help you unplug on a regular basis. 

Schedule Tech Free Time Daily

Make time in your day for screen free periods. This will allow your brain to rest, boost your creativity and will help you start or end your day with more clarity. Similar to how you schedule time in your calendar for meetings or tasks, make this daily habit a priority on your calendar. This tip pairs nicely with having a “phone free zone” at home, so keep reading. 

Try it out: Set an alarm or reminder for your daily screen free time. Use that time to read, write thank you notes, journal, to take a walk or meditate. 

Use The "Do Not Disturb" Feature

Create A “Phone Free Zone” At Home 

 Your home is a haven for family, friends, rest and relaxation. Select areas of your home and declare them “phone free zones.” Not sure where to start? Consider the dining room and your bedroom. By eliminating phones from the dining room, you’ll be able to focus on making memories around the table with those you love. This study suggests that not using your phone before bed can improve your quality of sleep in as little as four weeks. 

Try it out: Designate a room in your home as a phone free zone and commit to keeping it a tech free space. 

Schedule A Screen Free Weekend

A screen free weekend is a great way to reset your nervous system and immerse yourself in the world right in front of you. Use the time to spend with your family and friends, try a new recipe, read a book, go for a hike or check out the farmer’s market. 

It’s important to remind you that you get to decide what tech free means to you. Perhaps, it could be that you keep your laptop closed or delete Slack & your email from your phone for the weekend. 

Try it out: Put a tech free weekend on your calendar and let your friends, family and colleagues know you’re doing so. If a weekend feels too overwhelming to start with, try a half day and build from there. 

Assess Your Digital Habits

Schedule a time to reflect on your digital consumption. Are you using apps or websites that drain your energy more than the value they provide? Are you following accounts that don’t inspire you and end up causing more stress in your life? It’s important to protect your digital peace. If  an account or website is stealing your joy, unfollow them or limit your use. 

Try it out: Audit your digital habits. What apps are useful and serving you and which ones are unnecessary? Consider deleting or muting those that don’t contribute to your goals. Take a look at your screen time habits and consider where you can minimize your use. 

Taking a break from digital devices doesn’t mean giving them up entirely—it’s about finding a healthy balance that allows you to recharge and refocus. Incorporating these simple steps into your routine can help you maintain a more mindful and balanced relationship with technology.