Our tech devices like smartphones, laptops, and tablets are slowly becoming a necessity to our lives, instead of an accessory. For many people, these devices are the first things they reach for in the morning and the last they put down at night. Too much technology can have negative effects on your life; fortunately, a tech diet can help break this cycle.
The Dangers of Too Much Technology
Technology obviously has many benefits, but too much of it can lead to dangerous conditions, like eye problems. When we stare at computer screens for too long it can lead to eyestrain and discomfort. Some people also experience blurred vision, headaches, irritation and other problems. You also have to be cautious of your ears. Using earbuds to listen to your music, podcasts, or streaming TV shows can impact your long-term hearing. And that’s not all.
According to a technology psychology expert, Dr. Rosen, too much technology can contribute to anxiety. A tech-obsessed person may live in “a state of artificial urgency” when separated from their tech-device, worrying about unanswered texts or emails. That’s why, for some people, a tech diet is more beneficial than a cold-turkey detox, which involves a sudden stop of tech use.
The Surprising Benefits of a Tech Diet
A tech diet typically involves limiting your use of certain tech devices (usually smartphones, laptops, tablets, televisions, and other similar devices). Nowadays these devices are an important part of the workforce, so a tech diet usually pertains to recreational tech use.
Though challenging at first, a tech diet has a lot of benefits. It can help ease eyestrain and it’s better for your hearing, but it’s also great for your spiritual and emotional health. When you’re not glued in front of a screen you have more time to bond with family members and friends. You have more time to get outdoors and connect with nature. You have more time for meditation and spiritual practices as well. In short, a tech diet helps you disconnect so you can reconnect with what matters most.
Starting Your Tech Diet
The best ways to achieve a tech diet is to limit as much of your recreational use of your devices as possible. In order to do that you must first know how much you use your smartphone, laptop, TV, and tablet in your spare time. Calculate the daily average and create a reasonable tech limit for yourself, such as three hours a day or less. Then start making the necessary change and cuts. Listed below are some tips that can help.
3 Quick Tips for Your Next Tech Diet
- Get an alarm clock. Once in every bedroom, alarm clocks now seem to be a bit old-fashion—most people use alarms on their smartphones or other devices to begin their day. Kick this bad habit and invest in an alarm clock instead. You won’t start your day scrolling through your smartphone news feed and you won’t break your tech limit.
- Rethink your commute. If you use public transit to get to work, you most likely read from your smartphone or tablet during the journey. Of course, reading is great and has numerous mindful benefits, but it can quickly eat up your recreational tech time. Instead, try reading from a book or a newspaper.
- Get outside more. Sometimes it’s hard to avoid using tech devices when your whole house is full of them. Make it easier for yourself by spending more time outside! Go for a run, take the dog on more walks or sign up for recreational sports—it’s a good way to avoid your smartphone and laptop. Plus, these workouts will help ease any tech anxiety you may feel.