CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — What could you do with even one more hour away from your phone each day? Most Americans are spending more time online than ever, particularly on mobile devices. That uptick in screen time may lead to decreased physical activity, poorer sleep quality and feelings of loneliness and depression.

As Southern Utah’s “Internet People,” the experts at InfoWest recognize that unplugging in the digital age is easier said than done.  

“Like breaking any habit, it’s harder by yourself,” marketing manager Thomas Dyches said. “Tell the people in your life – family, friends, co-workers – to help you stay accountable. Maybe they’ll do it with you.” 

Here are a few tips that may provide a starting point to help you unplug. 

Turn off devices

The blue light emitted by screens interferes with sleep, so stop using electronics a couple of hours before going to bed. Switch your phone’s notifications to silent, and charge tablets, computers and other devices in a different room. If you want to completely unplug, try turning off your WiFi connection at night. 

Read a (real) book 

Instead of watching TV, keep a book by your bedside as a way to wind down before going to sleep. Studies measuring the eye fatigue caused by reading paper versus e-books found that even devices like Kindle are markedly tougher on vision recovery. If you work on a computer all day, your eyes are already tired and don’t need more strain.

Detox from social media

Don’t let scrolling social media be the first and last activity of your day. Turn off your notifications, or uninstall social apps from your phone if you prefer. If you’re really struggling to break the habit, try an app that helps limit access by sounding an alarm when you load Facebook, Instagram and others. 

Find a hobby 

Set a goal this summer to find a new passion or rediscover something you used to enjoy. Maybe you want to build something; perhaps there’s a travel destination you’ve always wanted to see. If you’re spending less time connected, you’ll need to occupy those spare hours with another activity that keeps your brain engaged.  

Try daily meditation

There are plenty of apps, websites and YouTube videos teaching meditation, but you don’t need to use your phone. Just start with a simple mantra, like “Om,” and allow a few minutes in your daily routine for quiet contemplation and rebalancing. Nobody expects you to become a guru overnight! 

Get outside

Southern Utah is an outdoor lover’s paradise with miles of paths and trails for walking, hiking and biking. As you become more active, find people to join your adventures and keep you motivated. Communicate by phone or text, not social media. 

Find ways to serve

Plenty of worthy causes, like charities, church groups and community organizations, are always looking for a helping hand. Volunteering is a productive and fulfilling way to occupy the spare time that would otherwise be spent looking at a screen. InfoWest employees regularly lend their time to Habitat for Humanity, Root for Kids and other Southern Utah nonprofits. 

Seek out fun events

Whether your idea of fun is an acoustic concert, a pottery class or a yoga workshop, there’s always something to do. Find events in the community through your local tourism and city websites. Or better yet, ask someone you know. 

You might find that when you commit to being in the moment, you don’t even miss checking emails and scrolling social media.

But when you have to connect, consider InfoWest, Southern Utah’s No. 1 choice in internet service for 28 years and counting. The company stays on the cutting edge of the ever-changing tech landscape while providing the best security and speed available.

“Wherever people are, we can get them taken care of,” Dyches said. 

Learn more about InfoWest’s products, services and community outreach on their website.

Written by ALEXA MORGAN for St. George News.

• S P O N S O R E D  C O N T E N T • 

Resources

• InfoWest | Telephone: 866-463-6937 | Website.
• Locations:
  • St. George: 435 E. Tabernacle St.
  • Cedar City: 360 W. 200 North.
  • Cedar City: 755 S. Main St., Suite 5.

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