3 ways to do a digital detox

Have you thought about taking a digital detox?

According to Pew Research, nearly 30 percent of U.S. cell phone owners said they couldn’t live without a cell phone. Evidently, tech addiction is an issue of increasing importance in the U.S., and as people begin to recognize the severity of the issue, digital detoxes are gaining in popularity. See if you need a tech break with our: Digital Detox Quiz, and then opt for one of these three ways to go about it.

1. National Day of Unplugging

A simple, inexpensive way to participate in a digital detox, the National Day of Unplugging occurs annually from sunset to sunset on the first Friday of March (falling on March 7th this year). The Sabbath Manifesto founded the event in hopes of adapting their ancestor’s ritual of having one day a week to unwind, unplug, and reconnect with loved ones to a wider audience. They encourage everyone who participates to share a photo of what they will do when separated from technology.

Lior Frenkel, founder of UNDIGITIZE.ME, plans to participate this year, and says he is unplugging to daydream. On a daily basis, he tries to disconnect by using a 7-4-5 breathing technique which allows him to focus and relax.

Martin Talks, a self-proclaimed digiholic and Author of A to Z Digital Detoxing also plans to unplug, with the goal of simply relaxing. Martin usually tries to limit his technology use by enforcing a 9 pm no-email policy.

Also participating is David Krevitt, co-founder of the app BRB, which helps users disconnect from social media without leaving their friends in the dark. He uses this app at least twice a day and dedicates one hour for socializing and one for focusing on work. David plans to spend the National Day of Unplugging kicking back with a few beers.

2. Share your unplugged experience

Because the concept of tech addiction has become so common, many people are taking it upon themselves to start their own digital detoxes. And many of these people, share their experiences when they return to the digital world. For some, having the opportunity to discuss these experiences in the online space may be just the motivation needed to make it to the other side of a detox with sanity intact.

Self-imposed detoxes can range from a day to weeks, depending on the individual situation. Author Teddy Wayne wouldn’t describe himself as a tech addict, but recently purchased a Smartphone and decided to take on a seven-day detox after reading about Arianna Huffington’s experience. Wayne said he briefly experienced FOMO (fear of missing out) but it quickly turned to JOMO (joy of missing out) as he began to “nonparty like it was 1999.” He reported that one benefit of the detox was that instead of browsing the web at breakfast, he finally read a book that he had been putting off.

3. Go on a Digital Detox retreat

This is for those tech addicts looking to make a serious life change. The retreats are quite pricey but they have also become popular as our addiction to technology becomes more severe.

The Digital Detox organization runs device-free retreats and summer camps. Their next digital detox is March 21-24 on Shambhala Ranch in Ukiah, California. Along with giving up their digital devices, detoxers will relax in tubs, eat organic food, and do yoga. The four day retreat costs between $500-$950.

Camp Grounded, Digital Detox’s annual summer camp takes place June 6 through June 9 at Camp Navarro, California. This adult-only camp features yoga, wine tastings, volleyball, games of horseshoe, and other activities designed to “take you back to the good ol’ days.” Prices range from $510-$598.

If that sounds like too much, a cheaper option is the Black Out Digital Detox Package at Hotel Monaco in Chicago. For $150 per night, you can surrender all electronics at check in, and indulge in a digital-detoxifying spa treatment.

Tags: digital detox, National Day of Unplugging