In this modern world we live in, it’s so easy to get caught up with the demands of everyday life. This includes the use of digital devices such as laptops, tablets and mobile phones. While they have many advantages, they are increasingly becoming more of a distraction, which begs the question are they serving us or are we serving them? What started off as a tool to help us has evolved and almost seems like a role reversal; whereby we are almost at the beck and call of our devices. Especially with the endless notifications, reminders and interruptions etc. It’s a wonder we ever get anything done! It’s time to take back control and rather than reacting to a message or notification, how about responding at a time of your choice and placing the power back into your life? By doing this, not only will you gain peace of mind and mental clarity, but you will also feel in charge of your life and perhaps a little happier having released yourself from digital overload. Here are 5 tips to help you achieve this:

Turn off notifications

Turn off notifications and even badges (if they prove too distracting) on your smartphone or other device. Instead, only go into an app when you choose to.

Turn off the sound more often

Turn the sound off on your device and only have it on when you are expecting an important phone call or in an emergency. This lessens the need for you to be constantly at the beck and call of your device every time you hear the slightest sound from it.

Manage your time

Minimise the time you spend on your device by only actively going on there at specific times of the day. For instance, perhaps reduce it to a maximum of 5 times a day to check if you have any notifications or messages, or if this sounds too extreme for you, start by only checking your device once an hour and gradually reduce the time. This will decrease distractions, allowing you more time for productivity, creativity and enable you to think more clearly.

Focus

Focus your attention and energy elsewhere and do something you’ve always wanted to do; this could be a new hobby, a skill such as learning a language, taking an art class or you could do something you have always wanted to do. Watch your creativity and confidence soar.

Quality time

Get back in touch with what you love and spend time with people you like to be around. Really be present when you are with them, by putting your device on silent or switching it off, that way you will have quality time and fun. Before you know it, spending your days staring at a device will be a thing of the past, as you will soon be able to take back control and resume living your life again. Enjoy!