How long does it take to detox from electronics?

According to Gaveras, the length of time it takes you to detox from devices depends on how much time you’re spending with something to begin with and how reliant you are on it. “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?”

How do you detox from technology?

Unsurprisingly, the first step of doing a digital detox is putting down your phone, Gaveras explains. Then, turn your attention to actual human people and interact with them in real life. And no: sitting in the same room all scrolling through your newsfeeds at the same time doesn’t count. “When spending time together, do it without a phone present,” Gaveras says. “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.

What are the benefits of a digital detox?

“The benefits of a tech detox are plentiful,” Kelman explains. “Finding oneself again is highly possible by having to dig deep to find resilience and self-esteem, rather than look for it from external sources online. We relearn how to connect with other people face to face and really deepen those connections. Texts, video, and social media simply cannot provide that level of connection that all people need to thrive.”

When do you know you need a detox?

If you’re questioning whether you could use a break from technology, there’s probably a good chance that you do. To help you think through your current level of attachment to your electronic devices, Gaveras suggests asking yourself about the reasons why you might be considering a digital detox. “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.”

The 15 Best Tech Detox Products of 2021

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

Many of us spend the vast majority of our days tethered to our phones and computers. While work, family, and community obligations can make it difficult to minimize this level of connectivity, it’s important to find little ways to unplug more and enjoy some tech-free time each day.

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.

Our Top Picks

FLOITTUY Twin Bell Alarm Clock at Amazon

This aesthetically pleasing alarm clock is ideal if you don't want your phone to be the first thing you see when you wake up.

Lemome 2021-2022 Monthly Wall Calendar at Amazon

A no-nonsense option that can be hung on the wall due to its larger size, it offers plenty of lines for your writing.

Ultimate Brain Health Puzzle Book at Walmart

Instead of reaching for your phone the next time you're waiting in line, keep yourself entertained with this adult puzzle book.

Prismacolor Adult Coloring Kit at Amazon

Color inside or outside the lines with this 29-piece coloring set that's sure to spark your creativity and help you unwind.

Digital Minimalism at Amazon

Instead of relying on a search engine to learn about digital minimalism, you can reach for this read to discover the benefits.

Intelligent Change The Five Minute Journal at Amazon

Complete with prompts to simplify the process, the Five Minute Journal provides space for positive affirmations and reflection.

Minimalism Art Premium Hard Cover Notebook at Amazon

Ideal if you prefer a prompt-free journal, this hardcover option offers plenty of space for free writing.

MindWare Sensory Genius Stress Balls at Staples

Whether you're restless or need a distraction, these stress balls simultaneously improve blood circulation and appease anxiety.

Sonos One Smart Speaker at Amazon

This smart speaker won't take up too much space on the counter, delivers the news, plays your favorite music, and more.

Nokia 3310 3G Cell Phone at Amazon

This classic Nokia is perfect for keeping distracting apps at bay while allowing you to stay connected with your loved ones.

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
Why Trust Verywell Mind

Pros

Comes in various colors
Affordable
Easy to read

Cons

Runs on batteries only

We’ve grown accustomed to using smartphones as alarm clocks, but that doesn’t mean that analog options no longer exist. This twin bell design is a much more aesthetically pleasing addition to your bedroom decor, and it makes it easy to check the hour and wake up on time each morning.

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.

Pros

Works with pencil and eraser
Generous writing space
Affordable

Cons

Possibility of missing pages
Can be tough to turn the page

Now, if you’re trying to get a more macro view of the bigger events occurring in your life, it can be more effective to organize them visually on a monthly wall calendar like this one from Lemome. It might not have cute puppies and kittens on it, but its focus on productivity helps you quickly and easily see when your weeks will ebb and flow throughout the month.

Never lose track of a doctor's appointment, a friend’s birthday, or a family celebration again with this simple, tech-free organization tool.

What Experts Say

“One simple way to tech detox is to pick a day every week to be tech-free. No need to alert all your contacts, just take the day and the time to be on your own and free from technology. Often, people end up feeling so good afterward that they extend their one day a week to more. This is much harder for teenagers as their phones provide a lifeline to their friends and social life. Form a group of friends and employ a tech-free day which helps with FOMO. If everyone goes silent, it may be easier for that teen to do it as well." —Jen Kelman, LCSW, a therapist for JustAnswer

The Ultimate Brain Health Puzzle Book for Adults

Pros

May improve short term memory
Comes with various puzzles
Reduces eye strain

Cons

Some typos appear

Many people love turning to their devices to play games, but you don’t need a smartphone to enjoy a good puzzle. This particular book is full of crosswords, cryptograms, word searches, calcudoku, sudoku, and logic puzzles—plus clues, hints, and answer sheets if you get stuck.

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.

Pros

Great color range
Includes a marker for outlining
Eraser molds to shape for precise erasing

Cons

Only eight pages to color
Pencils aren't durable

Looking for another entertaining way to unwind that doesn’t involve your phone? Give adult coloring books a try! These pencils carry some of the most beautiful hues, and the accompanying coloring book gives you some of the prettiest templates to try. In a way, this style of coloring soothes that itch to scroll through images on Instagram or filter one of your own.

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.

Pros

Easy to read
Helps understand why digital detox is important
Suggests different digital detox tools

Cons

Doesn't cover how to digitally declutter

Want to learn about the benefits of digital detoxing before going through with it? Consider this book your peak research resource. Cal Newport expertly lays out the beauty of the quiet moment and why it’s so critical for our tech-saturated world. He offers a thoughtful methodology that can help you decide what digital detox tools you want to use, for what purposes, and under what conditions.

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.

Expert Advice

“When it comes to technology and social media, taking a break is very good for both your mental and physical health. Many people have jobs that involve some kind of interface with technology most of the day, and it’s hard to avoid. However, I am talking about the things which we can consider optional." — Georgia Gaveras, DO, the Chief Psychiatrist at Talkiatry

Pros

Thoughtful prompts
Undated
Small commitment

Cons

Quotes are not diverse
Doesn't always have generous writing space

When you decide to unplug a bit, you might need another outlet for your self-expression. Enter the Five-Minute Journal. It’s a very small commitment for those who don’t love writing lengthy entries daily, and its focus on gratitude, good happenings, and positive affirmations give you the perfect amount of perspective you need to stay present and pleased about doing so.

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.

Pros

Affordable
Built-in bookmarks and elastic closure strap
Doesn't take up a lot of space
Comes in various colors

Cons

Paper is thinner than described

Now, if stepping away from all of your devices suddenly leaves your head flooded with thoughts, you can commit them to paper with this sturdy and classic journaling notebook from Minimalism Art.

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.

Pros

Keeps your hands busy
Resistance levels denoted by color
Affordable

Cons

Attracts dirt
Not childproof (can develop holes)

Want to trade phone scrolling for a more productive form of fidgeting? Try these stress balls. They help keep your brain focused by keeping your hands busy. Approximately 2 inches in diameter, they are gentle and squishy, and the three fun colors represent different levels of resistance to meet your specific stress relief and hand strengthening needs.

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.

Pros

Quality sound
Wireless
Compatible with Apple AirPlay2 and Amazon Alexa

Cons

Expensive

Listening to music or checking the weather shouldn’t have to be a high-tech experience, but you probably maintain most of your music access via an app on your smartphone. Instead, give the new Sonos One smart speaker a try. It delivers some of the richest, room-filling sound, and you can control it with your voice hands-free.

It syncs with the Sonos app, Apple AirPlay2, and Amazon Alexa, so no matter where you store your music, you can access it without ever reaching for your smartphone. Plus, Alexa makes it easy to check the news and set alarms. The wireless speaker can also sync with another unit to create high-quality stereo sound in your home.

Pros

Long battery life
Affordable
Durable
Basic phone functions only

Cons

Camera is lower in quality than a smartphone

At the end of the day, if smartphone apps will forever be a tech temptation to you, consider switching to a super-basic cell phone model like the Nokia 3310. This classic pick is incredibly affordable and known for being virtually indestructible. It features a wildly long battery life, a basic camera for occasional photo-taking, and the classic Snake game to still give you a little bit of entertainment.

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.

Pros

Reads humidity, temperature, and wind speed
Easy to install
Provides 12-hour forecasts

Cons

Wind readings can be inaccurate

If you’re always checking a phone app for weather information but want to unplug successfully, consider this comprehensive weather station from AcuRite. Yes, it’s a device, but it won’t command so much of your attention and energy as your smartphone does, and it provides all the information you need.

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.

Pros

Gentle on delicate skin around the eyes
Will not crease your hair
Machine-washable
Comes in various colors

Cons

Not adjustable

Does constant connection negatively impact your sleep quality? Then add this premium silk sleep mask to your bedtime routine. Available in a wide variety of colors, this mask is gentle on your skin and absorbs less of your nighttime moisturizer, so more of it stays on and nurtures your skin.

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.

Pros

Easy to use
Waterproof
Reduces exposure to EMF waves

Cons

Earbuds not included

Do you still want to use your Bluetooth-powered earbuds but are concerned about the electromagnetic field waves they potentially emit that close to your head? Try these Protect Stickers from WaveBlock. Laboratory tests show that they effectively deflect EMF waves, reducing the impacts of such radiation exposure by more than 95 percent. (However, it is important to note that these stickers are based on the idea that EMF waves are dangerous, although there is no scientific evidence suggesting this.)

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.

Pros

Moisturizes and softens skin
Uses natural ingredients
Fights "wired and tired" syndrome

Cons

Expensive

What’s better than unplugging in the bathtub? Light some candles, grab a good book, throw this luxurious bath soak in a steamy tub, and get to soaking. The premium blend of French grey sea salt remineralizes the body, while green clay assists with toxin removal from the inside out.

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.

Pros

Great value
Includes various digital-detox tools

Cons

Some parts may get lost easily

Why choose just one detox assistant when you can enjoy an eight-in-one kit? This set from Pinch Provisions makes the early stages of your attempts at unplugging a little bit more pleasant. It includes an eye mask, mini alarm clock, a pair of earplugs, a phone sleeve, activity dice, a tech timer, an infinity fidget cube, and expert digital detox tips.

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.

Final Verdict

Everyone has their preferred method of doing a digital detox, so it’s hard to narrow it down to a single pick. And that’s part of the reason why the Pinch Provisions Digital Detox Kit (view at Revolve) is a good bet—especially if you’re giving it as a gift and don’t know what would work best for someone. Not to mention that with earplugs, an eye mask, a phone sleeve, and an infinity fidget cube, this kit is pretty handy to have on hand for a flight.

What to Look for in Tech Detox Products

Connectivity

When shopping for a digital detox product, think about how each item helps you reconnect with people—including yourself—in a meaningful way. “Building in regular opportunities to socialize will go a long way in restoring mental health,” Georgia Gaveras, DO, the Chief Psychiatrist at Talkiatry tells Verywell Mind. “We have spent nearly a year socializing via technology and have realized something important—it’s really not that great. Sharing emotions with people is what makes us healthier.”

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.”

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to detox from electronics?

According to Gaveras, the length of time it takes you to detox from devices depends on how much time you’re spending with something to begin with and how reliant you are on it.
“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?”
How do you detox from technology?

Unsurprisingly, the first step of doing a digital detox is putting down your phone, Gaveras explains. Then, turn your attention to actual human people and interact with them in real life. And no: sitting in the same room all scrolling through your newsfeeds at the same time doesn’t count. “When spending time together, do it without a phone present,” Gaveras says.
“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.
What are the benefits of a digital detox?

“The benefits of a tech detox are plentiful,” Kelman explains. “Finding oneself again is highly possible by having to dig deep to find resilience and self-esteem, rather than look for it from external sources online. We relearn how to connect with other people face to face and really deepen those connections. Texts, video, and social media simply cannot provide that level of connection that all people need to thrive.”
When do you know you need a detox?

If you’re questioning whether you could use a break from technology, there’s probably a good chance that you do. To help you think through your current level of attachment to your electronic devices, Gaveras suggests asking yourself about the reasons why you might be considering a digital detox.
“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.”

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.

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.

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