3 Easy Digital Detox Tips You Can Apply Right Now

The latest global research found that an average person spends 6 hours and 40 minutes daily on digital screens, which has increased year-over-year for the past decade. That is a staggering amount of time – over 40% of our waking hours. It's no wonder that we feel like there is not enough time.

Even eye doctors like myself struggle with excessive screen time, whether it is for work or personal leisure. Unfortunately, digital screens are intricately woven into our lives, making it increasingly difficult to reduce screen time.

Let's face it – it's impossible to cut out screens completely. However, reducing screen time does not have to be difficult. Below, I will share three easy tips you can apply immediately to start a digital detox.

1. Set a time limit for apps

Most phones nowadays allow you to set daily timers for your apps. For me, apps like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook automatically close after 10 minutes each day. It's a small change, but it makes a big difference.

2. Turn off email notifications

Email notifications disrupt your day way more than you think. When you hear that notification bell, your attention immediately goes to your phone to check your email. Since you are already on your phone, you check Facebook messages, Instagram stories, etc. This happens multiple times a day, every single day.

When I turned off my email notifications, I felt anxious at first. However, I quickly learned that virtually all emails are not urgent. A truly urgent matter will find a way to reach me regardless (i.e. call or text). Nowadays, I only check my email once a day in the morning.

3. Limit browsing websites

I watch YouTube more than I'd like to admit. Luckily, it is easy to set a daily limit on time-wasting websites. If you are a Mac user, you can set a limit right in the settings. If you use Chrome or Firefox, LeechBlock is a free internet browser extension. Install LeechBlock from your browser extension store, specify which site you want blocked and after how long, and you are ready to go.

Small Changes, Big Impact

Each week, I set aside time to implement new ways to reduce my screen time (starting a blog certainly did not help...). What I've learned is that big changes are usually not sustainable. Instead, take just 5 minutes right now to apply these three simple tips to start your digital detox.

Join me on a journey to redesign life, one step at a time! 👊