Digital detox, or putting the use of smart devices on the back burner, is not an easy but very worthwhile activity these days. If we spend a lot of time on our smart devices for practical reasons, the holidays are a good time to change our habits and enjoy various "screen-free" events. Samsung's Solve for Tomorrow experts share their tips on how to make the digital detox an easy and rewarding activity.
Digital detox is not about locking your devices in a cupboard and trying to "survive" without them. Digital detox is about setting healthy boundaries and using devices in a meaningful way, for their own benefit, rather than to promote stress and fear of missing out. It is also a commitment to be present, enjoy the moment and go on different adventures, leaving the use of devices in the background.
"While devices and technology make our daily lives so much easier and allow us to communicate with friends all over the world, it's good to take a break from using devices from time to time. There are actually many benefits to a digital detox, such as reduced anxiety, better sleep, improved emotional well-being and, who knows, maybe even finding new hobbies and passions," says Egle Tamelīte, Head of Samsung's Solve for Tomorrow initiative in the Baltics.
Tell your friends!
Much of the time spent on smart devices is spent communicating with people close to you, so before you decide to go on a digital detox, tell your loved ones about it. Firstly, it will give you peer support and help you stick to your commitment to reduce the time you spend on your smart devices, and it will also simply make those around you realise that you need to schedule appointments well in advance, as you won't be constantly checking messages on your mobile device.
Set a goal for the day!
Before the holidays, decide how much time you will allow yourself to spend aimlessly surfing the internet. Remember, the goal of a digital detox is to reduce that time! Use it to connect with friends and plan adventures that are impossible without your devices. Once you've set a goal, stick to it! That's where apps to control device time or, more classically, a timer come in.
Meet in person!
Take the opportunity to meet in person relatives, friends and acquaintances who may be harder to find in your daily routine. Plan longer walks, cooking and enjoying meals together, or watching a long-awaited movie. It could be the perfect time to try something new - learn a hobby together or attend a long-sought masterclass. Keep the desire to document it all on the back burner, prioritising the enjoyment of the moment and genuine face-to-face communication. If you really want to take a photo or video as a souvenir, you can use your smartphone in airplane mode - this way you won't receive notifications and you won't be distracted from the activity you're enjoying together.
Share your digital adventures after the holidays and digital detox!
You won't miss a thing if you share your photos and videos some time after the event. Plus, it gives you the chance to practise your content creation skills - you'll have more time to develop your idea to the end, and you'll be able to process your photos or videos more calmly without thinking about publishing right now. Treat your friends and acquaintances to quality social media content after your digital detox.
About Solve for Tomorrow
The Solve for Tomorrow competition is organised by Samsung Electronics Baltics as part of its social initiative. Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is a global initiative in more than 30 countries around the world that promotes students' self-education in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and motivates children and young people to tackle issues that matter to them and their communities.
The partners of the initiative in Latvia are the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Latvia, the International Youth Programme Agency, the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia and the portal "Labs Of Latvia", the ESF project "PuMPuRS" implemented by the State Education Quality Service, the European Parliament Office in Latvia, the Liepāja Science and Education Innovation Centre ZIIC, the Latvian Safer Internet Centre, the foundation "Mission Possible" and the Teenage Resource Centre.
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