A Simple Detox From Technology

I remember when our first computer arrived and made it’s grand entrance into my life. It was the year 1997. I was 8 years old and was thrilled to have this (very large) piece of technology at my fingertips– eager to be able to play games, explore the internet, and print out random clipart to hang around my bedroom. 

My sister and I were mesmerized at the possibilities that this giant box could do. It was unlike anything else we’d ever experienced, opening up a world of possibilities in both academics and leisure. 

Over the next several decades, technology has exploded with countless opportunities, benefits, and ways to spend our time that no other decade prior to the millennium saw. 

Technology has allowed us to stay more connected with those around us near and far through various social media apps. 

It’s become much more portable. In 2000, the average desktop computer and monitor combined weighed 33 pounds, where no one dreamed of toting it around for the day. Today, we can carry a smartphone around in our bag, weighing less than a single pound. 

Cloud based storage allows us to save everything we could possibly want. A far stretch from those floppy disks I remember backing my research papers up to! 

We’re able to track just about everything in our lives, from the calories we consume, to the steps we take, to our rem cycles at night.

Even artificial intelligence (hey Siri) has opened the door to becoming our own virtual assistants, anywhere we could possibly need them.

Technology has undoubtedly increased measures of productivity, healthcare advances, space exploration, and so many other areas. For that, we should be thankful. 

But this post isn’t just a note of praise that highlights how technology has improved our lives. It’s a simple reminder that I’ve found to be helpful as we live in this modern world— that unplugging from technology, taking regular fasts, and embracing habits of simplicity can be extremely effective ways to move forward. 

Below, you’ll read my thoughts on why taking a simple fast from technology allows us to see many positive benefits and why a detox from it might be just what we need.

Why a simple tech-detox might be necessary 

One of technology’s greatest gifts to humanity  is efficiency. 

But when efficiency and productivity are at the forefront of our lives, we often forget to leave room for life’s simple pleasures, for slowing down, or even taking time to reflect on what’s most important right now. 

Sometimes taking a fast, or an intentional break, from something good is a smart way to maintain balance and preserve the enjoyment of life. 

When we place a conscious limit on an area in our life, we choose to give our minds and bodies a rest from that particular activity. Consider what this could look like if you fasted from areas of technology for a time (an hour or two, a day, a week, or even a month) and what benefits you could gain from it. 

One way I’ve found success in doing this practice is by placing my phone somewhere else when I desire to have focused time with those I’m with. 

I regularly leave my phone inside when I play in the backyard with my kids. This simple habit allows me to avoid the temptation of scrolling through social media or checking my email by choosing to place my phone out of sight. 

My engagement and enjoyment of our time together is much greater. I’m more focused on our conversations and less likely to become inattentive to the playfulness that’s going on around me. 

Taking a tech-detox for any amount of time not only allows you to become more present with those around you, but also reminds you of other methods that have stood the test of time and continue to add an element of simplicity to our lives– such as reading a book instead of a kindle, or playing a board game on the floor with you kids instead of watching tv. 

My family and I still enjoy technology every day, but find it important to take breaks when needed and be mindful about filling our time with ways that bring us contentment and joy. Keep in mind as you read, that this is not a prescriptive technique that’s a one size fits all approach. What simplicity means to me, might be different for you. 

I’d encourage you to consider taking a fast from the areas of technology that limit you from living a meaningful life, and add them back in when you feel refreshed and focused. 

12 ways to do a simple detox from technology

1. Read a physical book rather than something on your kindle or phone.

2. Avoid the temptation of scrolling social media for hours before bed by keeping your phone out of the bedroom. 

3. Gather a big stack of books and read to your children instead of turning on the tv. 

4. Turn off your air conditioning and open the windows and doors for some clean, fresh air.

5. Sit and watch the sunrise instead of turning on the news when you wake up. 

6. Place your phone in a different room when you want to have focused time with those you love.

7. Play a game or have a good conversation with your spouse in the evening instead of flipping on Netflix. 

8. Begin a gratitude journal by starting your day with writing 3-5 things you’re grateful for, rather than opening up social media as soon as you wake up. 

9. Turn off notifications on social media. I’ve done this for years and have never regretted missing a message or comment the second it comes in. 

10. Go outside for a walk, but leave your phone at home. Listen to the sounds around you as you walk, focus on your posture, and take big, deep breaths. 

11. Do a decluttering-spree by deleting any apps on your devices that you no longer use. Seeing less apps on my screen is always less distracting and allows me to see the ones I still use more easily. 

12. Take a fast from social media. I’ve done this for several week-long and months-long stretches (even deleting the app on my phone) and it’s always a meaningful time for me to focus on other areas of life, while not feeling that I’m missing out. 

Make a tech-detox work for you

Like other ways to practice simplicity and minimalism, there is no book of rules telling you how to live, but rather suggestions that tend to make life more enjoyable and meaningful. 

I’d encourage you to take a fast from the areas of technology that have resulted in less connection and eroded your ability to be present.

Let a tech-detox give you a renewed appreciation for life’s free pleasures, create a healthy balance between stimulation and boredom, and instill a realization that living more simply results in less stress and more happiness.