As it has been said, technological advances continue to rise and with it comes increasing ways to interact with the outside world. We are living in a privileged society because of these vast improvements in computing technology but at the same time, we are also at the mercy of the systems that provide us with these improvements.The ability to be so socially involved with strangers, friends, and current events can be a beneficial addition to our lives, but at what cost?

If you close out of an app, the app is still there along with the data that lives within it. However, if you look up from your devices and gaze out at your surroundings, you will realize that with every second that passes, opportunities to be present and engaging fade away.

Data upon data will constantly find a way to reach you, but if you let this computerized bubble of a world consume your daily life, then you lessen the amount of time you can devote to becoming a better version of yourself. That being said, I leave you with some of these well-known tips, including my own, to hitting snooze on those messaging and social media apps and putting down your devices in order to become more productive and mindful in our tangible and opportunity-filled world.

Use A Do Not Disturb Setting

If you have not already, go show that crescent moon on your phone some love (assuming you own an iPhone) or go to your settings if you are an Android user. It is the best way to mute all notifications and prevent all social media circles from interfering with your work, studies, or leisure activities. Keeping your phone or laptop from ringing may help keep you more focused on what you are doing and less tempted to reply to that never-ending group-chat, or whatever else finds its way to your device. You can even decide to schedule your Do Not Disturb setting to certain blocks of time, which gives you the power to schedule away distractions.

Have A Planner

Whether it be a digital or a paper planner, both choices are a great way to organize your life activities and priorities, as long as you remember to be consistent with it. Needless to say, writing out everything you have to do takes more time and energy than typing it out, but by doing so you remove the issue of dealing with incessant chimes from your phone, despite those chimes serving as a reminder to follow through with your plans. Studies have found that handwriting versus typing aids in memory retention, so writing out your plans may help you remember everything you have to do. However, if using a digital planner works for you, then that is great! As long as there is time being invested in ensuring all your activities are scheduled and you are aware of the things you have to do, any planner can provide you with a sense of accountability.

Sleep

Nowadays, there seems to be this popular notion that staying busy is confirmation that people are doing something meaningful with their lives. Although this idea may not be as flawed as some think, it can still lead to reduced stamina. The reason for this is because sometimes having many things to do on a given day can lead one to have an increased chance of missing out on a good night's sleep. Lack of sleep has been found to reduce productivity in the workplace, along with many other adverse effects, thus revealing that if we want to stay up to par with our daily activities, we should allow our bodies to rest well enough to replenish its energy. That way we can feel less inclined to reach for our phones out of boredom or lack of energy to do something much more energy-driven.

Take A 10-Minute Break

When was the last time you brought attention to your breathing? Shutting off all electronics, setting aside all thoughts of meals, stresses, and commitments, and dedicating just 10 minutes to doing absolutely nothing but focusing on your breath may help you ease away tension from your busy life. On the other hand, if spending time focused on your exhalations does not appeal to you, then at least attempt to spend this 10-minute break in nature: step out into the sun for a few minutes or go for a brisk walk. Choosing to disconnect from technology and from immediate stressors in your life may not only help you become more attuned with your environment, but also with your own self.

Let these few tips lead you to reflect on your daily habits, and serve as a useful reminder to make it a priority to disengage from the virtual world from time to time. It is important to address the fact that technology has provided the world with numerous opportunities and experiences that we would be missing out on had there not been tremendous innovations in this areas. Understanding this reality may help you come to terms with the reliance on your devices, but especially how it may deter you from engaging in the physical world. That is why becoming aware of your usage and actions, and setting out a goal to be increasingly present and productive can aid you in your personal effort to be more mindful about yourself and the world we live in today.