Technology is flooding our lives with numerous digital innovations happening every minute. With the world moving on digital spaces, we have new applications for almost everything. We are incredibly engrossed in our digital devices. How is it possible to limit our distractions in this digital era?

 

Here are some ways that might help you stay grounded and take control of your digital devices.

 

Value your productivity - The first and the most important thing to do is to ask yourself ‘Do you value your productivity?’ or ‘Do you value your quality time?”. This is because in these technological times when everything is available on a click, your smartphone, laptop, PC etc. consumes more of your time than any other work. And asking these questions will help you identify your purpose and intention of using technology.

 

Make better choices - We can’t ignore technology completely as we are living in a digital era. Also, we cannot deny the advantages that it brings in our lives. But we must make a choice in how we use technology. For example, do you get up on the first alarm that goes off or do you snooze it? Do you use your phone while meeting someone or having lunch /dinner? How you are using technology is more important. It will automatically cut down the time spent on your devices.

 

Don't use earphones for music - Whenever you want to listen to your favorite tunes, don't use earphones. Plugging in earphones makes one feel more involved with the gadget and less relaxed; it hinders the effects that come from a restful ambience. 

 

So, opt for a device that lets you listen to it naturally by playing the song on a device such as your LED TV, computer, speaker, or laptop, or play it aloud on your phone. Sound, music and beats have a better effect on you when they come from the surrounding atmosphere. They make you free to dance and move, and become real de-stressors.

 

Turn Off Notifications - This is one of the most sought after ways of not getting distracted by your phone. You can turn off the notifications for the applications or put messages of groups or people ‘on mute’ during work, study etc. We are not asking you to cut down from your social life. You can get back to your friends etc. in your spare time of the day.

 

Download helpful tools - Use good technology such as apps like Moment and Unplugged, that track your phone usage or time spent online. There are also apps like Breathe2Relax, Aura, Happify etc that check and notify you on your breathing and stress levels.

 

Engage in device-free dinners - Ensure that you and your family don't use digital devices during lunch or dinner time. Make it a protocol in the family. You can also do this by playing a game where the first person checking the phone will do the dishes or clean the table!

 

Take a day per week to fully disconnect - Go offline for one full day in a week. Let your friends and family know that you will be offline that day. Opt for spending time with nature or ways which help you relax.

 

Declutter your digital environment - Consciously cut down the time spent on social media platforms. Rather, try to meet with friends and family in-person. Remember to use technology for a higher purpose - for better connectivity and collaboration with people and the world around us. 

 

Thus, as we know that technology offers a lot of potential for a better future. Let’s tap into its potential and use it consciously to create a better future together. Let’s start using our digital devices to be more productive and not to turn our lives into a digital graveyard. 

 

It’s high time we ask ourselves - "Are we controlling the technology or is the technology controlling us?"