Taking a break from screens and all the push notifications that demand your attention can feel like a much-needed breath of fresh air and a critical component of maintaining your mental health. Luckily, there are lots of little changes you can make around your home, your desk, and your relaxation space that can make digital detoxing a bit easier and, dare we say it, fun. Here are the best tech detox products on the market. The real ringing bells are loud enough to stir even the deepest of sleepers, and the soft backlight and large Arabic typeface help you see the time even in the dark. It comes in six different colors and only requires a single AA battery. Price at time of publication: $12 Never lose track of a doctor’s appointment, a friend’s birthday, or a family celebration again with this simple, tech-free organization tool. Price at time of publication: $11 Working on these puzzles will help keep your brain healthy, improving short-term memory, enhancing creative thinking, and more. Not to mention, you won’t experience nearly as much eye strain and screen fatigue as you normally would. Price at time of publication: $10 In the end, you have a beautiful book of your work that you can display in your home or save for yourself as you pick out your next coloring endeavor. Price at time of publication: $35 By the end of the book, the idea of living like a “digital minimalist” won’t feel so far-fetched, and you’ll understand how to better use technology rather than let it use you. Price at time of publication: $28 All it takes is five minutes at the beginning of the day and five minutes at the end of the day to put your devices aside and think about what you love most about your life. Price at time of publication: $29 The thread-bound book opens flat for easy writing and journaling, and the notebook’s size is perfect for both your desk and for your on-the-go bag of choice. You can choose from a variety of colors and ruling styles, but all come with 122 beautifully numbered, ink-proof, acid-free ivory pages. The journal also features a tidy elastic strap and an expandable inner pocket for small keepsakes. Price at time of publication: $9 Soothe your lack-of-technology anxiety, increase blood circulation in your hands, and build strength all at the same time. These stress balls are ideal for your work desk, your car for when you’re stuck in traffic, and even your living room for when you’re trying to unwind at the end of the day. “Tech detox is not about doing nothing—it’s about diversifying your time and being less reliant on technology,” Georgia Gaveras, DO, the Chief Psychiatrist at Talkiatry, says. Price at time of publication: $13 Price at time of publication: $217 Beyond that, you really won’t be too tempted to spend copious amounts of time staring at this screen. Make your phone calls, send your text messages, and move on with your day. Price at time of publication: $85 for charcoal The wireless weather sensor measures the temperature, humidity, and wind speed, and the history chart displays temperature, wind speed, and barometric pressure trends over the most recent 12 hours. Simply set it up in your preferred location in your home and look over when you need to check the weather, rather than reopening your smartphone. Price at time of publication: $123 It’s lightweight enough to feel comfortable but heavy enough to block out excess light, including any blue light emitted from your smartphone. Soft, shiny, and effortlessly durable, this sleep mask brings on all the spa vibes, making it a little easier to keep your digital detox going strong. Price at time of publication: $50 They are also waterproof and stay securely fastened to your earbuds, even if you use them during intense activity or in extreme weather elements. Simply peel and stick them around the external elements of your earbuds and you’re good to go. Price at time of publication: $35 Designed specifically to help fight that “wired and tired” syndrome, this bath soak prepares your body for an excellent night of sleep. Lounge in the bath for 20 to 30 minutes for the optimal detox experience. Price at time of publication: $28 Perfectly packaged and reasonably priced, the kit also makes for a great gift for the tech-obsessed folks in your life. Fun fact: Users note that the fidget cube easily gets used by every member of their households. Price at time of publication: $26
Something that gets you moving
Look for digital detox products that encourage you to unplug in a new setting. Bonus points if it gets you outdoors and moving. “The time away lets one reconnect to themselves and fully connect with others in a more personal and deep way,” Jen Kelman, LCSW, a therapist for JustAnswer tells Verywell Mind. “Get outside, go for a hike or a bike ride, and leave the devices at home. You might be surprised at just how good you feel!”
Focus on delayed gratification
It’s so easy to get sucked into simple apps or games that are relatively easy, but make us feel good (and accomplished) when we win or move on to the next level. When purchasing digital detox products, look for something that doesn’t involve instant gratification—something you’re going to have to put some work into, like making an intricate pattern out of tiny magnetic balls or finishing a challenging puzzle. “The constant availability has also reduced people’s attention and ability to delay gratification,” Gaveras says. “I am guilty of ‘just one more episode of Ted Lasso, and then I swear I will go to sleep!’ Taking the time to wait for things can also help you appreciate and process them more fully and can be much more satisfying.”
Why Trust Verywell Mind?
As a seasoned health writer, Alena Hall understands that wellness is for the mind, body, and soul, and wants to make sure you know exactly what you’re getting in every kind of wellness product you buy. Over the years, she has reviewed dozens of products, from athletic recovery aids to homeopathic essential oils to ever-trendy CBD topicals, to help readers like you discover products that can help you live your best life. “For example, if your only socialization is online, then how long it would take would depend on what other activities you can do to replace that,” she explains. “If you are used to passing the time playing an app on the phone, then what kind of non-tech diversion would be a healthy alternative?” “Actually make the effort to learn about your friends’ lives through a conversation. Don’t rely on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok to learn about your friends’ lives." she adds. “Is it that you are not sleeping? Are you not spending enough quality time with your family? Are you anxious or depressed?” She questions. “All those things have been related to technology as having a litany of physical problems. So, if you are reading this, there must be a reason. You didn’t click on the article to try to disprove the notion that a tech detox is a good thing.” Additional reporting to this story by Elizabeth Yuko As a seasoned health writer and editor with a special focus on mental health and well-being, Elizabeth Yuko understands how powerful stress-relieving activities can be for many people—as well as the fact that they’re not one-size-fits-all. With decades of first-hand experience dealing with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, she’s always on the lookout for new (and research-backed) products, techniques, and services that can help people cope with stress and other mental health challenges.
