The benefits of completing a family digital detox.

Yet, we are surrounded by technology. Everywhere you look, there’s someone staring at a screen. Of course, it’s possible you haven’t noticed because you’ve got your own gaze firmly planted on your mobile device too, instead of on the real world.

Technology keeps us connected like never before, but it can still take its toll. When was the last time you went an entire day without checking your phone? Or did you take a week away from Netflix? For many of us, that answer may be elusive. Read more about the benefits of a digital detox with this article from Beyond Blue.

More and more people are looking to escape their tech-driven city life in favour of simpler, natural environments.

Feel connected to community and nature at Newbridge 

Newbridge is a community where connection with people is just as important as connection with the outdoors. Located within the heart of Murray Bridge, next to the town’s beautiful golf course, Newbridge will be a magnificent green centrepiece with plenty of space for residents to create their dream lifestyle.

We believe that access to wide open spaces is vital to a person’s wellbeing as it encourages an active lifestyle and enhances a person’s health and happiness.

Not only is walking around in nature good for improving your memory, lowering blood pressure and reducing stress, it also comes with many mental health benefits.

It might be time to change you and your family’s life by implementing some simple digital detox strategies. Read our tips for a happy, healthy lifestyle that isn’t ruled by technology.

Dine Without Tech

Establish the dining room as a digital-free zone. Make mealtime family time, which means no eating in front of the television screen, and no checking mobile devices at the table. If you have to, collect all mobile devices before the meal begins, and store them well out of reach. Turn them off or keep them silent, so you’re never interrupted by the tempting ding of a notification from another room.

Dining without technology can also encourage mindful eating allowing you to turn on your senses and enjoy every bite of the meal.

With good food and good company, who needs technology?

Create Digital Detox Zones in Your Home 

Create areas in your house that are tech-free for you and your family. The bedroom is a perfect digital detox zone. Put the phones, tablets, TVs and smart devices away when you are in the bedroom.

If you count on your phone as an alarm to wake you up in the morning, ditch that habit and invest in a simple cooking timer or an alarm clock. Read a real book before bed and wake up in the morning without checking your phone first thing. Share this house rule throughout your family and remember to oblige tech-free zones yourself.

Read Real Books

Tech has made access to books one click away. And while a tablet is more efficient than a library, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of paper in hand, of turning a page.

Choosing a real book before bed will also help you stay away from your phone before you sleep. Whether it’s your phone, computer, or television, the screens of digital devices emit blue light, and blue light messes with our circadian rhythms and hinders our sleep. If you’re among the 46% of Australians who use their digital device right before going to sleep, it could explain why the coffee just isn’t cutting it in the morning.

Don’t Work Through Lunch

When lunchtime rolls around, stop working and take the break your body and brain needs. Eat your lunch away from the computer, so you’re not tempted to get one more thing done.

Now, here’s the tough part: don’t turn to your phone as soon as you’re away from the computer. Use this time for a digital detox, albeit a small one. Bonus points if you’re able to get out of the office to spend your lunch break in nature.

Make a Habit of Walking Outdoors

Get outside and go for a walk. The closer you can get to nature, the better. It’s tough to watch where you are going when you have a phone in your face. Plus, who wants to look at their phone when they’re strolling around a beautiful park?

Make walking an activity that your whole family can do together. The fresh air combined with beautiful surroundings and a little bit of exercise are sure to rejuvenate both mind and body.

There are plenty of beautiful walking trails in Murray Bridge, so pick a new one to explore, or if team sports is more of your ideal outdoor activity, get involved in one of the many local sporting clubs.