4 Tips to Detach From Your Phone

Right now, the world feels a bit like a huge sociological experiment.

Just 10 years ago, none of us were connected to the internet 24/7. But since the launch of the iPhone in 2007, the world has experienced a rapid shift - one in which it is normal to be tethered to our devices.

Our technology is addictive because of the way it is designed. Tech companies do a ton of social good. But they also deliberately seek to hijack your attention and hold it for as long as possible.

With notifications constantly popping up, apps that scroll endlessly, and e mails begging to be read, taking control of how you use technology can feel almost impossible. But you can do it one step at a time.

Here are the 4 tips for how to detach better.

1. Become Aware

Download Rescue Time for your computer and Moment for your iPhone to see how much time you actually spend on your phone.

2. 30 Before 7.30 A.M.

Sleep with your phone out of your bedroom. When you wake up in the morning, don't touch it. Grab a notebook and plan your priorities for the day. Once you finish your 30 minutes of planning, you can then look at your phone.

3. Progress, Not Productivity

Responding to emails makes you feel productive but never moves the needle on what matters. Work on your top priority first thing in the morning. Do it right away and don't check your e mail until you finish.

4. Phones Off the Table

Unplug when you're around other people. If someone's phone comes out, politely ask him or her to put it out of sight. Ban phones from the dinner table or family gatherings. Research shows having a phone on the table distracts people - even if it is not theirs.