The Negative Side Effects of a Phone Detox (And How to Deal With Them)

Strategies For Dealing With Phone Detox Side Effects

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably been thinking about doing a phone detox for a while now. And that’s a great idea! It doesn’t matter if you decide to put your phone away for a few hours, overnight, or go all out and spend a few days, a week, or even longer without it. Because of the addictive nature of smartphones, you should expect to experience some negative side effects. These can pop up even when you decide to put your phone away for as little as thirty minutes.

Phone detox side effect: feelings of anxiety

One of the most common phone detox side effects is feelings of anxiety. This can happen because you’re used to having your phone with you at all times and when you don’t have it, you feel like you’re missing out on something. To deal with this, try to remember why you’re doing the phone detox in the first place. Whether it’s to spend more time with family or friends, get outside more, or be more productive, keep that goal in mind. Also, remind yourself that it’s only for a short period of time and you can do it!

Phone detox side effect: headaches

Another phone detox side effect is headaches. This is usually because we’re so used to looking at screens all the time that when we take a break from it, our eyes need time to adjust. To deal with this, make sure you’re taking breaks often and giving your eyes a rest. If you can, try to step outside for a few minutes each hour to give yourself a break from the screen light.

Phone detox side effect: feeling bored

The final phone detox side effect I want to touch on is feeling bored. This is common because we’re so used to having constant entertainment at our fingertips. The best way to deal with this is to have a plan for what you’re going to do during your phone detox. Whether it’s reading a book, taking up a new hobby, or going for walks, have something to look forward to so you don’t get too bored.

What do those side effects look like?

You can feel anxious and fidgety. Don’t be surprised if you continually reach for your phone, even if you don’t need it for anything in particular. Smartphones have become such an extension of ourselves that we unconsciously reach for them much more than we realize. 

And then there’s the practical side. Smartphones are smart. They help us with a lot of tasks throughout our day from the ability to find information about anything to giving us directions. Most of us would be lost without google, google maps, calendars, and contacts. Most of us barely know our own phone number and email, let alone those of loved ones or work contacts. 

How do you deal with these side effects?

You do it by preparing and being aware of them. Realizing that the reason you’re feeling agitated is because you don’t have your phone in your hand is often enough to overcome it. Remind yourself why you chose to do a phone detox in the first place. And remember that this is temporary. You’ll feel better in a few days and will have broken the habit of always reaching for your phone. 

Another good idea is to prepare yourself for when you don’t have your phone on you. Keep a small notebook at hand to jot down things you need to remember or look up later. While you’re at it, write down the phone numbers for close contacts and keep them in your wallet or purse. You may even want to invest in a map or make it a point to print out directions before a long drive. 

How to deal with boredom?

Last but not least, let’s talk about boredom. Phones are great for filling those little pockets of time. Waiting in line at the grocery store? Sitting in the waiting room at your doctor’s office? Stuck in traffic? Your phone is there to entertain and fill every moment of your time. You don’t ever need to be bored again. Great! Or is it? There’s value in being bored. It gives you time to think. You will notice things you wouldn’t have if you spend your time glued to your phone. And who knows you may find yourself having a conversation with someone. 

The most common phone detox side effect is feeling anxious. This is because we’ve become so used to having our phones with us at all times that it can feel like we’re missing a limb when they’re not there. Other side effects can include feeling restless, irritable, and even experiencing headaches. But don’t worry, these side effects are only temporary and will go away as you adjust to life without your phone.

If you’re considering doing a phone detox, then it’s important to be aware of the potential side effects. These can include feeling anxious, restless, irritable, and even experiencing headaches. However, these side effects are only temporary and will go away as you adjust to life without your phone.

To help ease the transition, it’s important to have a plan in place for your phone detox.

First, decide how long you want to go without your phone. Then, let your friends and family know about your detox so they can support you.

Finally, take some time to prepare for life without your phone by writing down important phone numbers and keeping a small notebook with you for things you need to remember.

By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to successfully completing a phone detox with minimal side effects!

Let me know in the comments if you’ve done a phone detox and experienced any side effects and how you dealt with them?

Talk soon,

Andie 🙂