With apps and gadgets designed for everything from getting dressed in the morning to falling asleep at night, there are few who live completely anti-technology lifestyles. For this reason, the digital detox concept has become increasing popular as a way to offer a temporary break from the pressures of being constantly connected.
To encourage mindfulness about daily technology use, some of the smallest gestures include switching to a phone wallpaper that says something like: "Stop looking at your phone. Look around you." People are also holding themselves accountable by using apps like the Digital Detox Challenge, which has users pay up if they are unable to keep away from a phone for a certain length of time.
Beyond devoting a short span of time each day to getting away from technology, there are also more lengthy digital detox programs and events to help people remove themselves for days, weeks and months at a time. For instance, Cabela hosts a 'Disconnect Day,' while Camp Kitigin for adults boasts an entirely screen-free experience in nature.
22 Ways to Digitally Detox
These Anti-Technology Concepts Provide a Break from the Digital World:
Laura McQuarrie — Sep 17, 2015 — Tech
22
Mindful Smartphone Wallpapers
Molly McLeod's Phone Backgrounds Help You to Look Away From Screens
21
Anti-Tech Office Chairs
This Tranquil Chair Helps You Disconnect from Technology
20
Digital Detox Beer Campaigns
This Amstel App Rewards People Who Stay Away from Their Smartphones
19
Digital Detox Events
Folk Rebellion Launched with a Tech-Free Retreat Focused on Unplugging
18
Digital Detox Camps
Camp Kitigin is an Adult Camp That Makes Grown-Ups Feel Like Kids Again
17
Digital Detox Programs
Myhotels Bloomsbury Offers a Way for Guests to Disconnect & De-Stress
16
Anti-Technology Pepper Mills
Dolmio's Pepper Hacker Encourages Quality Family Time at Dinner
15
Technology Respite Commercials
Massage Envy Urges People to 'Unplug More Often' with a Membership
14
Digital Detox Apps
Flipd is an App for When You Want to Disconnect from the World
13
Phone-Avoiding Apps
This Technology Challenge Tests How Long You Can Go Without a Phone
12
Offline Travel Campaigns
The #OneDayOffline Ad Encourages Travelers to Live in the Moment
11
Unplugging Daily Diaries
The Folk Rebellion Hardcover Journal has 365 Tips to Tech Disconnect
10
Anti-Technology Challenges
May's Screen-Free Week Finds Alternatives to Digital Entertainment
9
Anti-Tech Nature Retreats
Digital Detox Offers Countless Programs for Unplugged Individuals
8
Technology Detox Campaigns
Cabela's Encourages a Break from Technology with 'Disconnect Day'
7
Phone-Ditching Dinner Ads
Dixie's Dark for Dinner Campaign Encourages In-Person Connections
6
Anti-Tech Hotel Rooms
This Hotel Blocks the Internet from Your Phone for a Digital Detox Retreat
5
Rejuvenating Forest Retreats
This Wilderness Awareness School Event Encourages 'Forest Bathing'
4
Airplane Mode Homes
The Ram House Can Filter Out Cell Phone, Wi-Fi and Other Radio Signals
3
Digital Detox Apps
This App Encourages Users to Disconnect Through Social Media Shaming
2
Phone Downtime Apps
Offtime is an App That Encourages You to Take a Break from Your Phone
1
Digital Detox Adventures
Folk Rebellion and Discover Outdoors are Offering a Yoga and Surf Retreat
Related Ideas
Minimalistic Productivity Timers
Minute Timer Uses Music to Induce Relaxation and Focus
Modern Digital Detox Boxes
The Stolp x Marie Kondo Emphasizes the Importance of Mindfulness
Gen Z IRL Campaigns
Hinge's Phonebook Encourages Gen Z to Connect IRL for Global Day of Unplugging
Blue Light-Free Tablets
The DC1 From Daylight Utilizes a 'Live Paper Display' with No Blue Light
Uplifting Social Media Campaigns
Optimism Your Feed Helps Social Media Users Retrain the Algorithm
Employee Mental Health Apps
PausePoint Offers Features That Will Increase Productivity
Habit-Building Wearable Devices
The Conceptual 'DAY ONE' Tracker Can Be Attached onto Anything
Longevity-Focused Wellness Apps
Zest is Focused on Extending Healthy Lifespan Through Technology
Integrated Eye Health Apps
LookAway Protects your Eyes While Boosting Productivity
Reduced Connectivity Mobile Devices
The Minimal Phone Combats Against Too Much Scrolling
Emotion-Regulating Mobile Apps
Feeling Great is a New Therapy App by Psychiatrist Dr. David Burns
Deep Focus Desktop Displays
The Conceptual 'SINK' Tabletop Stopwatch is Smartphone-Powered
Plastic Intervention Programs
Cleancult's Program Helps Households Make Sustainable Changes
Keyboard-Intact E-Ink Smartphones
The Minimalist Phone Has a Juxtaposing Design Language
Simplistic Distraction-Free Phones
The LoFone Has an E Ink Kaleido 3 Color Display
Minimal Phone Interfaces
Minimis Launcher Hopes to Reduce Distractions and Screen Time
Minimalist Phone Home Screens
Dumbify Offers a Minimal Interface to Reduce Digital Distractions
Mental Health Mirrors
The Baracoda BMind Smart Mirror Helps Users Manage Stress
Resurrected Used Smartphones
Think Tank Team Makes Artifacts with Project Afterlife
Healthy Habit Smartphone Accessories
The 'FIKA' Smartphone Enclosure Concept Helps with Relaxation
Minimal Desk Accessories Concepts
The DESKRISK Series Organizes the Working Space
Cannery-Inspired Phone Boxes
LookUp Makes Digital Detox Tools in the Shape of Fish Tins
Gamified Stress Reduction Apps
The 'URSO' Mental Health Gaming App is Fun and Engaging
Child-Friendly Camera Concepts
The Camera for Kids Concept Reimagines the Digital Camera
Mental-Health Smart Mirror Concepts
The Mio Smart Mirror Encourages Self-Motivation
Lifestyle Activity Tracking Apps
The 'Timeline It' App Tracks Virtually Any Activity or Event
Fun-Focused Festival Phones
The Brahma Phone is a Pared-Back Device for a Worry-Free Experience
Anti-Distraction Meditation Timers
The 'Decima' Meditation Timer by Liudmila Andreeva is Simple
Elegant Working Desk Concepts
The Mindset: Built-In Computer Desk by Designer Dot is Efficient
Health-Focused Alcohol-Tracking Apps
Sunnyside is a Mindful Drinking & Alcohol-Tracking App
Contemporary Wellness Treatments
Nüd Body + Wellness Promotes Health Through Detoxification
Simple Time Management Apps
Cubicle Uses the Pomodoro Technique to Help You Stay Focused
Minimalist Smartphone Apps
The Dumb Phone App Provides a Pared-Back Experience for iOS Users
Daily Motivation Apps
'Motivation' is an Empowering App Helping People Make the Most of Their Days
AI Self-Improvement Apps
LeapLife Uses Journaling and Other Features to Reduce Stress
Distraction-Free Keyboard-ConnectedTools
The BYOK Device is Designed to Foster Productivity
AI-Powered Productivity Apps
The 'BeforeSunset' App Helps with Planning and Time Management
Haptic Stone-Like Compasses
The 'TERRA' Compass Combines Technology with Tranquility
Anti-Doomscrolling Robots
NABS & Amplify Created the DoomScroller for World Mental Health Day
Research-Backed Sleep Supplements
Life Happns Introduces the Do Not Disturb Sleep Supplement
Phone Breakup Newsletters
The Guardian's 'Reclaim Your Brain' Newsletter Helps Reduce Screen Time
Immersive Virtual Television Experiences
Television for Apple Vision Shapes the Future of TV
Re-Imagined Time Management Tools
JotDay Uses Data From Other Apps to Offer an Intuitive Overview
Cheeky Self-Care Pillows
La-Z-Boy's Do Not Disturb Décor Supports Rest & Relaxation
Anti-Anxiety Sensory Touch Stickers
NATPAT Offers an Innovative Stress Relief Solution
Personalized Meditation Apps
Meditia Allows Users to Find Their Zen With Personal Courses
Smartphone-Concealing Books
The 'GATBOOK' Keeps Smartphones Out of Infant View
Inspiring Daily Bodycare
method's Unleash Your Inner Shower Celebrates Personal Transformations
Anti-Distraction Student Smartphone Features
Google School Time Limits Features During Class
Sound Frequency Therapy Apps
Soaak Tackles Seasonal Depression Symptoms Through Sound
Screen Time Reduction Apps
BePresent Gamifies Limiting Phone Usage with Daily Challenges
AI Mental Health Apps
Deepen is an AI-Powered Pocket Therapist
Minimizing Phone Usage Initiatives
Heineken's Latest Campaign Addresses Phone Use at Music Events
Distraction-Free Work Settings
focusedOS Let's People Hide All Distractions in a Single Click
Distraction-Blocking Apps
The 'FlowBuddy' App Helps Users Cut Down on Screen Time
Gen Z Motivational Apps
The Etherea App is Driven by Motivators and Sustainable Actions
Digitized Life Goal Apps
Buckit Breaks Down Life Aspirations Into Achievable Goals
Anti-Distraction Studying Apps
The 'StudyBug' Study Platform Offers AI-Enabled Assistance
Private Social Photo Apps
The 'Retro' App Focuses on Mindful Sharing with Select Others
Thought-Provoking Social Apps
Skaldic is an App for Curious Minds
Integrated Daily Step Counters
Steps Daily Keeps Health On Track Without Draining Phone Battery
Screen-Free Wandering Navigation
TERRA is a Pocket-sized Compass That Supports Mindful Wandering
Resourceful Digital Platform Events
Meta will Host an Immersive Instagram Family Pop-Up in NYC
Retro Social App Devices
Edwar Banquet Designs the Retro Instagram Gadget with a Console Shape
Gesture-Controlled Apps
Spatial Touch Lets Users Navigate Tech With Their Fingers
Pressure-Free To-Do Apps
Twodos Features Two Lists: Things to Do Now, and Things to Do Later
Extreme No-Excuse Fitness Apps
Workout Nightmare Blocks Websites Until the Workout is Finished
Three-Step Calming Experiences
Help me Calm Down Offers a Useful Relaxation Technique to De-Stress
Science-Based Habit Apps
Addicted-Habits Provides Invaluable Support to Help Users Achieve Goals
Nostalgic Radio Concepts
The Calming Noise Radio by Gisung Han has a Minimal Design
Daily Affirmation Apps
FitsMind Daily Affirmations Helps Build Resiliance and Mental Strength
Holistic Habit-Tracking Apps
Polar Habits Eliminates 'Streaks' So Users Can See the Bigger Picture
Tech Worker-Focused Wellness Apps
TechieMind is a Mental Health Tool for Tech Industry Workers
Phone Decluttering Apps
Swipe & Delete Gamifies the Process of Deleting Photos
AI Smoking Cessation Apps
The 'QuitBot' App Offers Resources To People Trying to Quit Smoking
Daily Affirmation Phone Apps
Avra Core Sends Notifications to Help Users Live More Positively
Child-Friendly Good Habit Apps
Little Streaks Builds Healthy Habits in Kids
AI Breath Work Apps
Breath Confetti Uses AI To Help Calm the Mind
Holistic Wellness Habit Trackers
CompleteDay Let's Users Sync Their Health Goals and Habits
Social Media-Limiting Apps
Elqi Intervenes with Meditation to Limit Social Media Time
Photo-Organizing Apps
Journeys Simplifies the Process of Organizing One's Photos
Mindful Sabbatical Planners
This Planner Helps People Navigate and Reflect on the Work Breaks
Mental Wellness Apps
'Pause' Lets You Take a Moment to Regain Control Over Your Emotions
Doodling Mental Health Apps
The 'Scribble Journey' App Encourages Art to Explore Emotions
Simple Meditative Websites
One Minute Focus Encourages Relaxation and Wellbeing
Daily Brain Training Games
'10 Games: Daily Brain Training Offers a Suite of Cognitive Games
Intuitive Journal Tracking
Habitually 2.0 Aims to Enhance One's Daily Routine to Improve Wellbeing
Personalized Meditation Sessions
Bliss Brain Can Curate Tailored Meditation Sessions
Personal Goal-Setting Apps
Fred Breaks Down Goals Into Actionable Steps
Self Care Planners
The 2024 Self Care Planner Helps People Prioritize Self Care
Intermittent Fasting Apps
FastPal Uses a Simple Interface to Help People Stay on Track
Organizational Reminder Apps
The Todo Reminder App Enhances Productivity With a Few Simple Steps
Mobile Therapy Apps
Self Therapy Supports Mental Health Through Personalized Guidance
Intentional Online Experiences
Slow Internet Takes Users Back to a More Enriching Online World
Conceptual Gamified Sleep Apps
'Sleep Quest' is an Early-Stage Gamified Sleep App for iOS
Supportive Sobriety Apps
'Sober' Guides Individuals on Their Sobriety Journey
Storage-Saving iPhone Apps
MacPaw Unveils the CleanMy®Phone App For Decluttering iPhones And iPads
Digital Eye Health Preservation
Blink Eye Uses the 20-20-20 Rule to Reduce Strain
Smart Life-Planning Apps
Last Plannr is More Than a Traditional To-Do List
Digital Distraction Barriers
WallHabit Will Block Digital Distraction and Promote Focus
Balancing Burnout Calendars
Tjime Burnout Calendar Helps You Thrive Personally and Professionally
Cozy Deep Thinking Spaces
Muse for Setapp Helps You Escape the Distractions of Everyday Life
Goal-Oriented Health Apps
The 'Bright' App Offers a Holistic View of One's Health
Distraction-Limiting Apps
Shrewd Observer Helps You Live a More Disciplined Lifestyle
Daily Activity-Tracking Apps
Heydai Offers a Visual Timeline to Support Activity Tracking
Time-Limiting Browser Extensions
BrowseTimeLimit Helps Users Navigate the Web More Intentionally
Mobile Device Addiction Campaigns
The Women's Brain Health Initiative Highlights a Growing Concern
Efficient Micro Habit Apps
Micro Habits Breaks Goals into Smaller Steps
Retro Digital Flip Clocks
The Flip Clock Turns Any Device into a Nostalgic Time Piece
Habit-Tracking Apps
BeeBetter Helps Establish Routine and Cultivate Healthy Habits
Screen-Limiting Phone Apps
Takebreak Encourages People to Have a Better Work-Life Balance
Focus-Enhancing Soundscapes
Siestapp Uses White and Brown Noise to Soothe, Relax, or Boost Focus
AI Time Management Tools
With Digido's, Users Can Set and Track Personalized Goals
Fitness-Focused Screentime Limits
Stryde Allows Users to Earn Screen Time Based on Activity Levels
Worry-Focused Digital Journals
Worry Bin is a Place for Users to Express Their Negative Thoughts
Eye Strain-Reducing Plug-Ins
Blinko Can Improve Eye Troubles with Just a Few Minutes Every Day
Phone Puzzle Games
Word Search Game Offers Mental Stimulation with Word-Based Challenges
Mindful Focused Work Sessions
Moosti Uses the Pomodoro Technique to Help Users Achieve Focus
Smartphone-Fuelled Stopwatch Concepts
The SINK Concept is a Smartphone-Powered Device
Daily Self-Improvement Record Keeping
The Book of Life Helps People Grow and Reflect Over Time
Daily Focus Reminders
ZenGoal Sends Daily Email Reminders to Keep You Calm
Motivational Goal-Tracking Apps
Disciplined Helps Users Track Their Progress and Stay Motivated
Intention-Focused Fasting Apps
Empty Fasting Helps Users Fast and Eat with More Purpose
Positive Mental Health Strategies
HappierMe: Master Your Mind Helps Users Achieve Long-Term Goals
Meditative Sleep Apps
CalmAlma Blends Ancient Practices with Modern Technology
AI Screen Time Managers
'Meaning' Uses AI To Curb Excessive Screen Time and Enhance Productivity
Calming Breathwork Apps
Tayo Rituals Guides Users Through Breathwork Rituals with an Expert
Eye Strain-Reducing Tools
Pomy 2 Helps Users Work for 20 Minutes, Followed By a 20-Second Break
Daily Time-Stamped Journals
Daygram Offers Modern Journaling, Capturing Thoughts and Feelings
Bite-Sized Daily Wellness Actions
BlissList Approaches Holistic Wellness Through Small Steps
Audio-Based Meditation Guides
Mindfulness Meditation is an App That Guides Using All of the Senses
Daily-Prompting Social Journals
Journal. Invites Users to Share Their Thoughts and Feelings
Positive Daily Routine Elevations
DeedDiary Transforms Browsers Into a Place of Positivity
Distracting-Blocking Apps
NoScroll Helps People Avoid Addicive Short Videos and Other Distractions
Grey Scale Browser Extensions
AntiSocial Makes Webpages Seem Dull to Enhance Productivity
Timer-Based Quitting Support
SWay Takes a new Approach to Helping You Quit Smoking or Vaping
Bad Habit Trackers
Bad Habit Break Tracker Helps People on the Path to Recovery
Musical Productivity Apps
FocusBeats Plays Music For 25 Minutes of Work and a 5 Minute Break
Refreshing Productivity Apps
With Tres Cosas, Users Focus on Three Main Tasks a Day
Workflow Integrated Breathing Reminders
'Exhale' Encourages Mindful Breathing While Working