MacBook Digital Detox: How to Reduce Screen Addiction

Nowadays, the number of minutes we spend without looking at a screen is decreasing day by day. Phone, tablet, MacBook and even TV for some of us. As our screen time increases, we lose our connection to the outside world. So what happens as a result? Headaches, eye strain, restlessness and distraction are among the main reasons. Of course, many of us have become so accustomed to these effects that we no longer notice them. This is where digital detox comes into play!

So, what is the digital detox that almost everyone is talking about and what benefits can it offer you? Let's discover it together!

The Most Useful Trend of Recent Times: Digital Detox!

The period of time when individuals consciously and consciously stay away from screen devices such as phones, tablets, computers and televisions is called digital detox. Digital detox is done at the person's own request and its duration varies according to the individual's needs or desires.

There has been a revolution in social media, especially since 2015. This revolution continues with people sharing every moment on social media and watching others who share. Now, even 30-second videos are too long and boring for most of us. Scrolling through Reels, liking Shorts videos or watching TikTok are among our biggest hobbies.

Have you ever wondered how much screen time you get per day? For some users, screen time can go up to 15-16 hours. Of course, you may not get that much or your screen time may be shorter, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need a digital detox. If you feel like you’re addicted to your device and are always looking at your phone or tablet, it’s time for a digital detox!

Do you feel psychological effects such as stress, mental fatigue, shortened attention span, increased anxiety level? Or do you experience headaches, eye pain, and sometimes pain in your fingers? If your answer is yes, you should start learning methods to reduce screen addiction with digital detox!

How to Do a Digital Detox with a MacBook?

Digital detox is done for all devices with a screen and basically includes the same steps. Whether you own a MacBook or a tablet, you can join this trend. When you start digital detoxing with a MacBook, you will soon start to get to know yourself again. Let's move on to digital detox applications step by step:

How to Reduce Screen Time on MacBook

The most important step of digital detox starts with facing the facts. So how do we do it? Apple records screen time minutely for MacBooks, iPads and iPhones. And that’s not enough, it informs you with weekly reports. So, maybe the most important step in deciding to start a digital detox is facing your weekly screen time, who knows?

To check screen time on MacBook:

·        System settings > Screen Time

The most fun part of this is seeing how much time you spend on each app. Maybe it's a Netflix series or online meetings on Zoom. But whatever the reason, reducing screen time is the most important step.

If you’re in for a bit of a shock when you see your screen time, we can move on to the other MacBook digital detox steps!

The Most Important Step to Reduce Screen Dependency on MacBook: Turn Off Notifications!

If you are determined to reduce your screen addiction, you need to turn off notifications for a long time. Yes, including Whatsapp notifications. Otherwise, it may become impossible for you to concentrate and finish the task you are focused on in a short time.

You should also turn off Slack messages, social media notifications, and notifications from your favorite game. But of course, if you're expecting an important notification or need to receive them during work hours, there are easy ways to do it.

You can use the following methods to turn off notifications:

• ·       Turn on Focus Mode: System Settings → Focus Mode
• · Block Notifications During Specific Times: Limit notifications to stay focused in the morning or at specific times.
• ·       Do Not Disturb Mode: Turn off unnecessary notifications while working.

Set a Time Limit for MacBook Screen Addiction!

We see people who cannot eat without their smartphones, tablets and MacBooks during the day, and even those who glance at the screen out of the corner of their eye while doing something, right? Maybe we are among these people. So much so that most people cannot sleep without opening a series or a movie on their phones or computers.

This is where we need to start reinforcing the digital detox. First, you need to set a time frame. For example, short-term programs like “I will not look at the screen before breakfast this week” are ideal for starting. However, if you must look at the screen before breakfast, you can start this program at lunch or dinner.

The important thing is to determine the time period that works best for you.

Manage Screen Addiction by Reducing Social Media!

Nowadays, social media is one of the biggest causes of screen addiction. The attractive world of platforms such as Instagram, X, TikTok or Youtube has managed to fascinate us all. However, this situation can cause a decrease in self-esteem in individuals.

So much so that everyone is on social media, everyone is very attractive and everyone lives in nice houses. At this point, we become more attached to our phones, more curious and perhaps even have negative feelings towards ourselves.

If you are determined to reduce your screen addiction, you will need to reorganize your social media platforms. If you find it difficult to start with your favorite influencers, you can start with the pages you hate but can't stop looking at. Don't be afraid to block profiles. After a short while, when you visit most of the profiles, you may forget why you used to follow them with such excitement.

Best Apps to Reduce MacBook Screen Dependency

Reducing screen addiction is essential for a digital detox. However, we don’t have to completely eliminate technology from our lives. You can use apps to make your digital consumption more conscious.

·        Freedom: Freedom stands out as the best app to reduce screen addiction. You can customize it to your preference and synchronize it with all devices in the Apple ecosystem.

·        One Sec: It warns you with a pop-up window before you start using the applications that increase screen addiction the most. In this way, it prevents you from getting lost in social media at the first opportunity. Moreover, it has an advanced statistics service.

·        Cold Turkey: If you need a stubborn and really useful app, Cold Turkey is the best option. It is not easy to close and is very insistent on the duration. For example, if you set the program for 3 hours, you will not be able to log in to Instagram on the device for 3 hours.

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Why Should You Do a Digital Detox?

Getting rid of digital habits and screen addiction can be a very difficult and painful process. However, as a result, you will see positive effects on your sleep quality, headaches and even posture. For example, neck pain caused by looking at your phone for long periods of time will decrease with a digital detox.

You need to be patient to get rid of MacBook screen addiction. You should be aware that you do not develop addiction in a day or two. Therefore, you may not notice the first effects in a day or two. However, at the end of a month, you will feel many positive effects.

A digital detox offers many benefits:

• ·        Increased attention span,
• ·        Decrease in eye dryness,
• ·        Decrease in anxiety and stress levels,
• ·        Relieving neck and back pain,
• ·        Reduction of mental fatigue,
• ·        Feeling more peaceful and positive,
• ·        Increase in sleep quality,
• ·        The development of social relations.

Also read: How Many Times Do You Snooze Your Alarm? The Technological Way to Become a Morning Person