Need a digital detox? Give these tips a try
The pandemic has made laptops and phones our best friends, amid social distancing norms. Bingewatching digital shows, playing games, and staying online is the primary source of entertainment for many. But some have found ways to disconnect from the barrage of notifications.
Exercise your body and mind: “I put my phone on silent once I log out from work. After that, I don’t check social media. I recently deactivated my Twitter account as it was getting too much. The need to constantly have my phone with me was overwhelming,” says Delhibased lawyer Aman Saxena.
He also recommends going for a run in the evening to clear one’s head.
Break up with your phone: Priya Choudhary, a Noida-based content writer, says she breaks up with her phone at least once a week. “I have a weekly target: to go an entire day without checking social media. I used to play online games for hours; thankfully, some apps were banned and I can’t do that anymore. But if this work from home situation is to persist, I’ll add regular exercise to my regime,” she shares.
Rule of 8: Delhite Pooja Bhateley has worked out an effective method for digital discipline. She tells us, “I follow the rule of 8s: eight hours for work, eight hours for sleep and eight hours for things I find interesting, such as cooking, reading or gardening.”
Curb your internet addiction: Stressing on the importance of monitoring screen time, Gurugrambased psychiatrist Saurabh Mehrotra says that internet addiction has risen during the pandemic. “This causes physical and psychological health issues, poor sleep, poor issues and problems in interpersonal relationships,” he adds, and suggests engaging in positive habits such as reading, sports, music and arts.