It’s National Simplicity Day on 12th July.

This event, which is celebrated on the same day every year, is all about freeing ourselves from the complications of the modern world – and one of these complications is definitely tech.

Don’t get us wrong, we live and breathe IT here at ECOM. We’re fierce advocates of the benefits technology can bring to businesses, and we love how being online can make our lives so much easier. But we also understand the importance of switching off from time to time.

Ditching the devices, even for just a day, can help us all be more present in our lives – not to mention improve our wellbeing. In fact, going without technology for a short period of time is proven to:

• Improve your mental health
• Increase your attention span
• Improve your problem-solving skills
• Increase your productivity
• Lower your stress levels
• Boost your creativity

However, it’s easier said than done, which is why we’ve put together 5 quick tips to help you limit the time you spend online and go without your devices for longer.

1. Be mindful of what you’re consuming

Ever glanced at your phone to check your messages, only to find yourself passively doomscrolling through article after article for hours on end? It’s easily done – but it’s also easy to lose control of what you’re reading, and the impact the information you’re consuming might have on your mood. Schedule time in each day to get up to speed with what’s happening in the world, then try to shut off from the news for as long as you can.

2. Don’t start and end your day with devices

So many of us are guilty of checking our apps as soon as we wake up, and right before we go to bed. Try to train yourself out of this habit. Your brain needs at least 30 minutes to get out of sleep inertia in the morning, so overloading it with information first thing will immediately put your mind into ‘stress’ mode. Similarly, the blue light emitted from your devices will make it more difficult to fall asleep and can affect sleep quality.

3. Mute your notifications

We understand that turning your phone or laptop off completely might increase your anxiety, not reduce it. So, if you can’t stand the thought of disappearing from the digital space altogether, make

sure you silence your calls and mute any notifications so you’re not being distracted by unnecessary alerts throughout the day.

4. Get stuck into a good book

If you’re missing the escapism you get from the internet, why not pick up a title that interests you instead? From classic novels to business books and biographies, there’s plenty of great content out there to explore. (And while it might be tempting to load up your Kindle, remember, the aim is to stay away from screens.)

5. Get outside

Being in nature is guaranteed to lower your stress levels and distract you from the thought of checking in online. Go for a walk or bike ride and leave your tech at home. You’ll feel much better for it!