Special Digital Detox
Digital Detox Survival Kit
introSince you’re most likely looking at this very article on a smartphone or computer screen, it’s safe to say that you live a normal life in the digital age. Ready to take a step back from your glowing and beeping devices for a digital detox? Here is the essential survival kit of tips and tools to help you prepare.
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Special Digital Detox
Digital Detox Survival Kit.
NoPhoneTry out the NoPhone. Similar to the idea of using fake cigarettes, the NoPhone is just that – a big hunk of plastic that looks and feels like a typical smartphone, but isn’t. You can stick this in your pocket like a safety blanket and still feel like your precious phone is with you while trying to go a day without the real thing. Clever or ridiculous? You’ll have to try it to find out. (Photo: Maro Verch/flickr)
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Special Digital Detox
Digital Detox Survival Kit.
bookKeep a book in your bag. If you find yourself waiting for something, are taking a short break from work or just have a few spare minutes, you’ll probably be tempted to check your phone. Take out a book instead. If you’re not into reading and usually spend lots of time on Instagram, buy a photography book to look through instead. If you’re addicted to cat videos, buy a little book of cute cat pictures. There’s a book out there for everyone – so go find it!
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Special Digital Detox
Digital Detox Survival Kit.
cameraReplace selfies with an actual camera. If you like taking pictures, try switching out your phone for an actual camera. Rather than showing the world what you’re up to with a selfie, you might find yourself documenting the world as you see it.
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Special Digital Detox
Digital Detox Survival Kit.
keep busyFill your planner – keep busy! Just like kicking any other habit, going through digital detox can only be successful if you’re able to distract yourself from your lack of constant Wifi. In the time you’ve decided to go device-free, make sure you have plenty to do. If you normally have your schedule saved on your smartphone, get a planner notebook or diary to write out your battle plan ahead of time: Buy tickets for a play or concert, make plans with friends for dinner, start a house project, go to the gym or the neighbourhood pool for a swim.
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Special Digital Detox
Digital Detox Survival Kit.
be boredLet yourself be bored. Having a lot to do always helps, but learning to cope with down time without digital distractions is also useful. What’s the first thing you do when you’re waiting for something and realise that you’re bored? You pull out your phone, of course. The next time you find yourself in this situation, try to resist the urge and simply let yourself be bored. Let your mind wander, do some people watching, take in your surroundings. You might come up with a brilliant idea for your next novel, or notice a cute dog passing by, or find some peace of mind for a moment.
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Special Digital Detox
Digital Detox Survival Kit.
magazine subscriptionGet a magazine or newspaper subscription. Is there an online publication that you follow religiously? Buy a subscription to their print edition so you aren’t tempted to go online. Even if you don’t follow a specific publication, there are just as many types of magazines out there as there are people. With a little research beforehand, you’ll stumble upon I Love Cats Quarterly or The Croquet Gazette – or whatever you’re interested in – and excitedly check your mailbox for the next issue. It’s better than scrolling aimlessly through your Facebook feed.
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Special Digital Detox
Digital Detox Survival Kit.
board gameFind a board/card game to play. Addicted to Candy Crush or Angry Birds (or whatever the cool kids are playing these days)? Replace it with a game that doesn’t involve a screen. We know, we know – playing around on your phone saves you from boredom, but a board game can do more that. Hours of staring at a small screen can become social time with friends. It’s time to bring back game night!
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Special Digital Detox
Digital Detox Survival Kit.
detox buddyGet a detox buddy. Do you have a friend or family member who’s trying to cut back on their screen time as well? Partner up with them and plan out your digital detox as a team. Taking on a challenge is easier with the support of someone going through the same thing. You can meet up and exchange notes on what has worked and what hasn’t, how well you have or haven’t been getting through everyday life without relying on your smartphone, or simply feel better knowing you aren’t alone.
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Special Digital Detox
Digital Detox Survival Kit.
alarm clockBuy a battery-operated alarm clock. Similar to wearing a watch, using an alarm clock takes away another excuse to use your smartphone. Remember waking up to your noisy alarm as a kid and sleepily punching the snooze button before school? Well, those pesky things still exist, and they’ll wake you up so that you won’t feel the need to have your phone resting an arm’s length from your head all night.
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Special Digital Detox
Digital Detox Survival Kit.
journalWrite in a journal or create a photo journal. You’re all set to start your detox: You’ve set your goals, organised your schedule, bought some helpful tools. Now that you’ve begun the actual detox, document your progress. Whether you like to express yourself through words or pictures, start a journal of some kind to keep track of how you feel and what you notice about your digital-free experiences. Did you see something on your walk to the bus stop today that you usually miss? Did you feel anxious and cut off from the world when you reached in your pocket for a smartphone that wasn’t there? Thoughts flow more freely without distractions…
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Special Digital Detox
Digital Detox Survival Kit.
conclusionAnd when you do inevitably rejoin the digital world, you’ll be able to do so in the knowledge that you chose to return not out of need or compulsion, but out of simple interest – and with the confidence that you’re able to turn your devices on and off whenever you please. We’ll be right here waiting for you.
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Special Digital Detox
Digital Detox Survival Kit.
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