Do you recall what it felt like to be fully present?
The absence of technology gave us the ability to have full attention during meals and conversations. Additionally, falling asleep free of scrolling became a routine. Although this period was not ideal, it certainly reserved a feeling of tranquility.
It is likely that you have come across the need to disconnect from the online world too. This step doesn’t need to be permanent; all it requires is a break long enough to breathe, think, and feel a regained sense of control.
Not using a phone creates No-phone zone ideas, and these boundaries when put in place allow for a refreshing change in one’s emotional and physical wellness. These zones allow for altered meaningful connections through improved sleep quality and mood.
For mental wellness, the following seven methods allow for the creation of no zones barrier free from judgement in the home and outside. These tips stand unjudged, allowing for free mental relaxation while keeping suit to a hundred percent privacy.
The Dining Table Rule
Why it works: Mealtime consists of multi-tasking, and being interrupted during the use of a cell phone removes the focus during one of the few opportunities to connect—all vias meeting.
How to do it. Set up a small basket next to the table as a make shift phone deposit. As part of the dining etiquette, attendees to the meal must place their devices into this basket before being seated. No exceptions. The initial uses of this strategy seem awkward; repeat users state that it eventually starts to feel right.“`
Bed Is for Sleep, Not Scrolls
Why it works: The blue light from phones and other devices disrupts the secretion of melatonin, while mindless scrolling conditions your brain to associate your bed with arousal rather than rest.
How to do it: Keep your phone in a different room from the bedroom. Buy an actual clock. It’s ancient. It works.
Phone-Free Bathroom Rule
Why it works: Yes, even the bathroom. The restroom can be a great place to think and can be surprisingly relaxing.
How to do it: Bring a small notebook or just some thoughts with you. You can get through it.
Create a Reading Nook
Why it works: Exchanging the screen for a book nurtures the brain in a different way.
How to do it: Set up a cozy corner complete with a chair, blanket, and physical books if that’s your preference. Make it screen-free.
No Phones During Conversations
Why it works: This should not be overlooked. Presence adds additional trust, empathy, and even connection.
How to do it: Decide as a family that if someone is conversing with you, then your phone vanishes from sight. Simply done.
Mornings Without Technology (In The First 30 mins)
Why does it work: Your morning routine lays the foundation for policies, productivity, and positivity throughout the day. Scrolling social media at 7 a.m. leads to a potential mental breakdown by 9 a.m.
How to do it: Substitute phone time with listening to music, easy stretches, or journaling. Even staring away and day dreaming at the window helps.
The Drop Zone In The Entryway
Why does it work: Coming Digital detox at home should feel welcoming and relaxing, sinking into a world separate from the busy outside, instead of dragging it in with you.
How to do it: Place a small basket or tray to store things in, very close to the entrance. When people enter the home, phones should be dropped off immediately.
Walking Without Technology
Why does it work: Walking aimlessly without looking at a screen has a positive impact on your mental capacity. It allows one’s brain to think, reset, restore and recharge. Moreover, it is safer (yes, we said it).
How to do it: For short walks, leave your phone behind. Alternatively, if you have to take your phone, put it in airplane mode and use it solely for music or podcasts.
Game Night or Do A Puzzle For The Night
Why does it work: You don’t need mobile devices to have fun. Doing puzzles and crafts provides an additional boost of dopamine without overpowering your energy reserves.
How to do it: Pick one day every week. Set aside screens for the day, then do a puzzle or engage in any other hands-on activity.
Develop a Rest Methodology That Does Not Involve Phone Usage
Reason: Cues are essential in signaling when to shift to rest mode, It is unfortunate that screens muddle the various cues one may employ.
Method: One hour before sleep switches to activities that do not require the use of screens. One can engage in reading, journaling, listening to music etc.
Your Goal Doesn’t Have To Be Attaining Perfection But Achieving Inner Peace
It is not the aim to chase every phone-free moment of your day. It is clear that reaching to one’s phone is tempting because it is helpful and at times, entertaining. Giving oneself respite from a mobile phone, however measly, does provide clarity to one’s mind.
Dedicating oneself to a single No-phone zone ideas devoid of a phone for a week does seem a good starting point.
Without any filters, one might be baffled at how good life seems when the screen is removed.
