How to Disconnect Yourself from Electronics

Move your computers into a dedicated “computer room” or office., Move your chargers into the computer room., Make your bedroom off-limit to electronics., Turn off your alarm on the weekends., Download an online timer that alerts you after 30 to 60...

24 Steps 3 min read Advanced

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Move your computers into a dedicated “computer room” or office.

    Your bedroom and another room or nook should be devoid of all electronics.
  2. Step 2: Move your chargers into the computer room.

    When a device needs to be charged, leave it in a room.

    The sounds and vibrations from a charging device can interrupt an otherwise calm experience. , Don’t bring your phone, tablet or TV inside.

    Blue light has been shown to interrupt sleeping habits.

    Most people don’t get enough sleep anyway because of their constant engagement with these gadgets. , Waking up on your own several days each week may help you feel more satisfied.

    If you don’t get enough sleep, fill 1 hour of time you would normally spend on the Internet.

    People who get 7 to 8 hours of sleep per day have less stress and are healthier.

    Lack of sleep can actually reduce the function of your immune system and increase anxiety. , You may be overusing the electronics because time passes so quickly when you are absorbing information. , Pour a coffee or glass of wine and read in the bath.

    Dim the lights and light a candle to relax and enjoy homemade hot tub., Have an outdoor barbecue., Getting out in nature has actually been shown to improve problem-solving skills and calm the brain.

    Pack your smart phone deep in your backpack (for safety) and don’t touch it during the hike.,, Tell work, family and friends that you will not have your phone.

    Make a nice meal, read a book or do a craft. , During an hour every week, arrange to meet without cell phones or computers.

    Having companionship in your quest to disconnect will make it easier. , If you can’t name 2 or more hobbies that you enjoy inside and outside of the house, then the Internet may have replaced your healthy outlets for creativity and stress relief.

    Start a craft or take a class. , Prepare for the vacation well in advance, so that someone will take on problems that occur when you are away.

    Return the favor when they go on vacation. , If you use the Internet more than 30 hours per week, you may consider talking to an addiction counselor.

    People who use the Internet for their social interaction for more than 30 hours per week are at higher risk for suicide if they cut off their Internet use.

    It is especially bad for people who are forced to stop using the Internet. , If you work more than 40 hours per week, suggest that your entire team has an off-call night when they don’t check emails or take work calls. , Don’t force them.

    By forcing teenagers to quit using electronics, you will encourage defiance, so just get out of the house and ask your kids to put their phones away when they are outside of the house. , Go there a few hours a week and enjoy forced disconnectivity. , Set it every night before you leave the office, so there isn’t a pressure to get back on your phone to answer personal or professional emails.

    Pick 1 or 2 nights each week when you attend to personal emails.
  3. Step 3: Make your bedroom off-limit to electronics.

  4. Step 4: Turn off your alarm on the weekends.

  5. Step 5: Download an online timer that alerts you after 30 to 60 minutes of Internet use.

  6. Step 6: Take a bath.

  7. Step 7: Invite friends over

  8. Step 8: with a phone call

  9. Step 9: not Facebook or text.

  10. Step 10: Go on a hike in the forest.

  11. Step 11: Join a sports league

  12. Step 12: scrabble club or other group activity.

  13. Step 13: Create a “fortress of solitude.” Choose 1 day per week when you plan to disconnect.

  14. Step 14: Start an off-the-grid group.

  15. Step 15: Take an inventory of your hobbies.

  16. Step 16: Plan a vacation for at least 2 weeks of the year.

  17. Step 17: Treat electronics and the Internet like an addiction - When someone likes your post on Facebook

  18. Step 18: it releases endorphins

  19. Step 19: much like alcohol or food.

  20. Step 20: Choose 1 night per week when you are “off-call” for work.

  21. Step 21: Ask family members to join your goal to disconnect.

  22. Step 22: Find a place

  23. Step 23: such as a beach or state park that doesn’t have cell phone reception.

  24. Step 24: Use your email vacation reply at night.

Detailed Guide

Your bedroom and another room or nook should be devoid of all electronics.

When a device needs to be charged, leave it in a room.

The sounds and vibrations from a charging device can interrupt an otherwise calm experience. , Don’t bring your phone, tablet or TV inside.

Blue light has been shown to interrupt sleeping habits.

Most people don’t get enough sleep anyway because of their constant engagement with these gadgets. , Waking up on your own several days each week may help you feel more satisfied.

If you don’t get enough sleep, fill 1 hour of time you would normally spend on the Internet.

People who get 7 to 8 hours of sleep per day have less stress and are healthier.

Lack of sleep can actually reduce the function of your immune system and increase anxiety. , You may be overusing the electronics because time passes so quickly when you are absorbing information. , Pour a coffee or glass of wine and read in the bath.

Dim the lights and light a candle to relax and enjoy homemade hot tub., Have an outdoor barbecue., Getting out in nature has actually been shown to improve problem-solving skills and calm the brain.

Pack your smart phone deep in your backpack (for safety) and don’t touch it during the hike.,, Tell work, family and friends that you will not have your phone.

Make a nice meal, read a book or do a craft. , During an hour every week, arrange to meet without cell phones or computers.

Having companionship in your quest to disconnect will make it easier. , If you can’t name 2 or more hobbies that you enjoy inside and outside of the house, then the Internet may have replaced your healthy outlets for creativity and stress relief.

Start a craft or take a class. , Prepare for the vacation well in advance, so that someone will take on problems that occur when you are away.

Return the favor when they go on vacation. , If you use the Internet more than 30 hours per week, you may consider talking to an addiction counselor.

People who use the Internet for their social interaction for more than 30 hours per week are at higher risk for suicide if they cut off their Internet use.

It is especially bad for people who are forced to stop using the Internet. , If you work more than 40 hours per week, suggest that your entire team has an off-call night when they don’t check emails or take work calls. , Don’t force them.

By forcing teenagers to quit using electronics, you will encourage defiance, so just get out of the house and ask your kids to put their phones away when they are outside of the house. , Go there a few hours a week and enjoy forced disconnectivity. , Set it every night before you leave the office, so there isn’t a pressure to get back on your phone to answer personal or professional emails.

Pick 1 or 2 nights each week when you attend to personal emails.

About the Author

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Nathan Murphy

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