Chip Chick
As someone who runs a technology site and also owns a business, it’s no easy feat going without technology for long, whether it be my iPhone, Macbook, or iPad.
I also could not do what I do without technology. I’m constantly checking and sending emails, monitoring orders and statistics, designing patterns and media kits in Photoshop; you get the picture.
It gets downright crazy, and it’s hard for me to let go, but now I’m making it a point to detox from technology and here’s why you should too. Hear me out!
Here are the benefits to detoxing from technology
Improved Relationships
On a personal note, your tech detox can improve the relationships in your life. Yes, technology was intended to connect people, but it can be hurting your relationship.
If you’re constantly on your phone, laptop, or tablet, that means you’re not putting your best effort into your relationship.
You also can’t listen to what they are saying or really give them your attention if you’re just staring at your technology.
Decreased Lack Of Connection
Did you know a lack of connection can lead to an increase in your health risks? A lack of connection can be even worse for your health than obesity and smoking, a recent study says.
The study also discovered that connecting with others can increase your life span, boost your immune system, decrease stress hormones, and decrease anxiety and depression.
If those aren’t enough reasons to start your detox now, I don’t know what is!
Increased Creativity
You do not have to be a designer or artistically inclined to benefit from increased creativity. Creativity is key in even very logical and traditional career paths.
The more I put down my phone, the more I notice my creativity increases. When I cut back on my screen time, I actually have the time to think and reflect!
When you notice the world around you, engage in more conversations, see what is happening right under your nose, and listen to what’s going on, you’re adding to your creativity.
You’re increasing your ability to have bigger ideas.
“Ideas come from everything” as Alfred Hitchcock wisely said. You have to be present and in the moment though to notice the things that will really have an impact!
Here’s how you can detox from technology
Make A Plan & Stick To It
Make a plan for how you’re going to make an effort to use your technology less and stick to it. You have to go about this with intention.
Think about what piece of technology you are going to give up. Why are you going to give it up? For how long are you going to give it up?
Answering that is a great place to start!
Start With Little Things & Build From There
For example, maybe you’re going to start with putting your phone in another room while having dinner with your significant other and don’t pick it up no matter what.
Or if you’re the type of person who checks their email obsessively, let it go and tell yourself you are only going to check it every half hour.
You can build from there!
Replace Your Tech Time
You can’t just go from obsessively checking your phone to not doing it at all. It makes a big empty space in what you normally do.
Use that time instead to walk your dogs, go for a hike, meet up with your friends….you get the idea.
Through filling up your time with alternative activities, detoxing from technology all of a sudden isn’t so hard!
Your End Goal
Yes, your end goal is to see how you can not be so reliant upon technology, while increasing the way you engage with the people and world around you.
Aside from that though, seek to learn new things about yourself, or your family, or your friends with all the newfound time you have.
Learn a new skill, try new activities. Get out there and enjoy your screen-free time!
Bre is a female millennial go getter residing in New York. One part entrepreneur, one part geek, she obtained her degree in Textile/Surface Design from The Fashion Institute of Technology.
She has held some exciting roles in both fashion as a designer working for brands like Victoria’s Secret and Henri Bendel, as well as in ad tech working for publishers like Ziff Davis.
Today she operates her own luxury label Bre Avery, and is also the Chief Chick at Chipchick.com which reaches millions of women each month.
Bre is passionate about keeping women informed of the latest technology trends and products to improve their lifestyle and believes in providing real, useful information and advice to her readers.