Striking the Perfect Balance: Juggling Technology and Real Life
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We all live digitally engaged lives — that's why digital organizers and similar tools are so popular. But we need to strike a balance. Being too online or too tied to a screen can really impact our mental well-being. We need a more measured approach, coupled with some minor digital detoxing, to get back on track. Here's how.
Use Screen Time and Reminder Apps
Many smartphones and other devices have screen time reminders built in, letting you know exactly how much time you are spending staring at a screen each day. Pay attention to this, and consider using apps that actively remove distractions. For example, Freedom and BlockSite can prevent access to traditional procrastination apps like Instagram for a set time.
Embrace the Boredom.
It's a fact — we're all overstimulated. If you were a kid in the pre-internet age, you probably got used to being bored sometimes. Nowadays, though, there is a constant stream of distractions to keep our minds occupied. This is not always a good thing, so make time to embrace boredom. Try five minutes of sitting and doing nothing each day. Literally nothing — not reading, not watching TV, nothing. Build up to 10 or 15 minutes if you feel comfortable, and recapture your ability to focus with a short-term digital detox.
Set Your Schedule and Stick to It
The Pomodoro technique is based on 25 minutes of focus with a five-minute break, helping you perform at your best. Even if you don't use this exact structure, you still need to make time for rest. Build a rest schedule and stick to it to support your mental well-being.
Declutter Your Digital Life
A digital detox doesn't necessarily mean turning your back on the digital life – you might just need a bit of a spring clean. Remove any unnecessary files, duplicate photos, tools you aren't using, or anything else you don't need anymore. Aim for streamlined simplicity, and don't overcomplicate things.
Replace Procrastinating Behaviors, but Avoid Over-Reliance
If scrolling through Facebook feels like a bit of a waste of time, try a language app like Duolingo or watch a short Vox documentary on YouTube. This way, you're learning something and perhaps assisting your mental well-being. Just make sure you're not trading out one form of procrastination for another.
Get the Balance Right
We know how important digital technology is to your life and work. This is why we want to help you get the balance right. Take a look at our digital organizer service options, and try a little detox here and there to support your mental well-being.