The festive Christmas season offers a perfect opportunity to pause our digitally saturated lives. Instead of being glued to screens, apps, and chatbots, it's a time to cherish moments with family and engage in self-reflection. For those in India looking to truly unwind, here are some effective strategies to disconnect from the online world during your holiday meals, gift exchanges, and quiet moments.
Master Your Smartphone's Built-In Tools
Your phone, often the source of distraction, also holds the key to managing it. Both iPhone and Android devices come equipped with a Focus or Do Not Disturb mode designed to silence notifications temporarily. You can customise this setting to block specific apps or activate only during certain activities like reading or sleeping.
Furthermore, the Screen Time controls on iOS and Digital Wellbeing features on Android allow you to set daily limits for apps. For instance, you can restrict Instagram scrolling to just 20 minutes a day. A clever visual trick is to turn your screen to grayscale, making it less appealing. On iPhones, this is done via colour filters, while Android's Bedtime Mode often includes this feature.
Embrace the Great Outdoors
When the winter chill sets in, the temptation is to stay indoors. However, stepping outside, away from Wi-Fi signals, is crucial for mental and physical well-being. This practice, known as forest bathing, involves mindful time in nature. Whether it's a walk in a local park, a wooded area, or tree-lined streets, it provides a genuine break from screens.
If there's snow, engage in a snowball fight or go sledding. An added bonus? Bulky winter mittens will naturally prevent you from using your phone's touchscreen. For those who need an extra push, an app called Touch Grass takes a unique approach. It blocks selected apps until you go outside and take a photo of yourself physically touching grass, snow, or sand.
The free version of Touch Grass lets you block two apps. A subscription, costing $6 monthly or $50 yearly, is needed to block all applications. Currently, the original app is for iPhones, but similar versions exist for Android.
Rediscover Analog Pleasures
In an era of digital greetings, consider reviving the tradition of handwriting. Research indicates that handwriting offers neurological and cognitive benefits, aiding memory and learning. Use this season to write a thoughtful Christmas card, a letter to an old friend, or thank-you notes.
Another excellent analog activity is reading a physical book. It fosters deeper understanding, empathy, and concentration—benefits often missed with short-form digital content. Look for annual "best books" lists for inspiration, like those from The Associated Press, for last-minute gift ideas.
Consider a Digital Minimalist Gift
If you're seeking a practical gift to encourage disconnection, think about a time-lock vault. For around $30, you can purchase a battery-powered box that locks away devices for a set period—from 15 minutes up to 30 days. It features a countdown timer and portholes for charging cables. Be warned, though: locking away your phone might disrupt processes like two-factor authentication for online shopping.
For a more permanent solution, consider gifting a "brick" or feature phone. Brands like Nokia offer retro devices with numeric keypads, basic calling, texting, and classic games like Snake, devoid of smart distractions. For a modern take on minimalism, companies like Light, Punkt, and Balance design sleek phones that provide a stripped-down, essential experience.
This Christmas, making a conscious choice to unplug can lead to more meaningful connections and personal rejuvenation. By leveraging technology wisely and embracing offline activities, you can reclaim the festive spirit from the digital noise.
