Technology Detox: 3 ways to get more mindful

In the era of the smartphone, we now have more ways than ever to distract ourselves from ourselves, and the world around us. Unfortunately, when we allow ourselves to become this distracted, we are allowing ourselves to be less patient, which can bring on feelings of anxiety, added stress, anger, or depression. By simply sitting with yourself and your thoughts, you are creating space for appreciation, creativity, and inspiration. This is mindfulness.

Want to become more mindful? Here are 3 things you can do to start:

 Get out of bed without looking at your phone

Try to go as long as you can without touching your phone in the morning. Open your window, listen to the birds and breathe in the fresh air. Perhaps write in your journal, read a passage from an inspirational book, and meditate. If you use an app. to meditate, use your phone for only that.

Take off your headphones

I challenge you this week to get from point A to point B without the distraction of headphones. Take in the sounds around you. Notice what comes up in your own mind, positive or negative, and just let it be.

Go to bed without looking at your phone

Or any technology for that matter. If you can, devote the last 10-60 minutes of your night with getting ready for bed. No TV, no phone, and keep lighting low, in order not to throw off your body’s Circadian Rhythm.