Living in a digital world comes with its advantages but there are multiple challenges we all have to learn how to manage. Information overload is a real thing and many people succumb under its pressure. What does it take to find the balance in a hi-tech, media-rich and highly engaging world?
Navigating a digital lifestyle and a digital workplace can be threatening. Hence, you’ll need to equip yourself with the right tools to overcome some of the most common modern challenges. Here are a few simple ways in which you can change your existence and your technology use to be a happier person in a digital age.
Be Technology-Free for a Day Per Week
One of the biggest problems stemming for a digital age is 24/7 connectivity. You always have access to your contacts, to entertainment, information and time wasting opportunities. This connectivity is the primary cause of the digital overload.
To manage the problem, many people have gotten into the habit of unplugging completely for a certain period of time. For most, a day without technologies per week is sufficient to get a breath of fresh air.
The benefits of unplugging are numerous – you can recharge your batteries, spend quality time with loved ones, enjoy better sleep, enhanced focus and an extended attention span. Some studies even suggest that unplugging regularly can improve your overall quality of life and enhance your health.
While you may feel like you’re missing a limb in the very beginning, leaving your home at phone and going out into the real world will eventually become exciting and rewarding. Give it a try!
Filter the Information
Information in our digital world is raw and unfiltered.
You will have lots of data reaching you without actually contributing to your productivity or your wellbeing. To lead a more rewarding life, you will have to learn how to filter and control this influx of data.
Reliance on solutions like Focus.me is one of the ways to start dealing with the burden of too much info.
Focus.me will help you set intelligent filters in terms of the websites you visit and the amount of time you spend on social media. It’s also easy to get rid of distractions like games and time-wasting apps you may feel tempted to give into.
Once you set up the right filtering system, you’ll find it much easier to get in the habit of accessing only relevant and necessary information. You will limit the amount of time you spend online, do more work and enjoy a much better work-life balance.
Focus on Priorities Other Than Your Devices
What’s the first thing you do in the morning? Do you turn to your smartphone first, checking your Instagram and the latest updates that you’ve gotten overnight? Or maybe you rush to check your mail since it cannot wait for you to get into the office?
These behaviors are indicative of a digital addiction. The devices that give you quick and easy access to information eventually start controlling your life.
Remember that you can postpone device-related activities. Nothing bad is going to happen. If you don’t read your email first thing in the morning, you will enjoy a pleasant cup of coffee and a nice start of the day that’s free from the immediate stress of getting into work issues as soon as you wake up.
Give yourself some time for spiritual and personal things.
A 15-minute exercise session is much more beneficial than rushing to check your phone. You can have a quick conversation with your significant other before going to the office or you can go for a walk with the dog.
Such habits take time to form and you’ll probably feel groggy in the beginning. Some effort will be required but as time goes by, you’ll find yourself reaching for the smartphone much less often.
Get Rid of Certain Phone Apps
As you’ve probably gathered already, leading a happy life in a digital age is all about accessing the information you need and getting rid of the distractions. As a result, you can be much more balanced and much more present in your everyday existence.
Take a look at your smartphone right now. How many apps do you have downloaded?
The average smartphone user accesses approximately 40 apps per month! That number is truly unbelievable. The average smartphone user has over 80 apps on their phone and the number of downloads per year exceeds 175 billion.
How many of the apps that you have installed on your phone do you use on a regular basis?
How many of these apps give you something beneficial or positive?
Do a little bit of phone cleanup right now. Get rid of the apps that you don’t use regularly, that contribute to wasting time and interacting less with actual human beings.
Spend More Time in Nature
Going back to nature now has become more important than ever before. We are hi-tech humans living in hi-tech cities. Many of us don’t even see a natural green color for days, weeks or even months.
Nature helps you recharge your batteries. It has a soothing, peaceful effect. It makes you humbler and teaches you about the complex world that we are a very small part of.
Even if you’re not a hiking or camping person, you can still go for a mountain walk or a quiet day picnic by a nearby lake. Such an experience will have a tremendous rejuvenating effect, regardless of the novelties and some of the discomforts you may face in nature.
Finally, do the things that feel right to you. Finding happiness is highly subjective and a universal formula does not exist yet. Technology is highly beneficial and it has contributed to so many important developments in our lives. The amount to which you limit your use of technology depends on your individual preferences and your comfort zone. Remember that getting out of your comfort zone every now and then, however, could contribute to some of the greatest adventures and improvements in your life.
