Modern homes are increasingly becoming more and more technological. This is due to several reasons, such as the rapidly advancing technology, increasing convenience, and the emergence of smart home products. Technology can make our lives easier, from automating mundane tasks to providing time-saving solutions for everyday activities.
According to several studies, technology is becoming integral to people’s lives. A recent Consumer Technology Association (CTA) survey revealed that nearly 8 out of 10 households own at least one smart home device. Additionally, 74% of surveyed households reported holding between two and five connected devices. Moreover, another study found that 88% of consumers believe that having a connected home makes life easier, with 70% reporting that it allows them to save time and money.
However, you might want to disconnect from that technology overload. Technology can be distracting, and it could even increase stress levels. What if you want to disconnect from all the technology in your home?
A serene home has been stripped of unnecessary technology, allowing for a peaceful and calm atmosphere. Here are a few steps to take when trying to build a home less reliant on technology.
Create Offline Entertainment
People often talk about entertainment, televisions, cable, online streaming services, video game consoles, and more. However, there are plenty of ways to entertain yourself without relying on technology. Investing in board games, playing cards, and puzzles can be great ways to have a family fun time without needing tech gadgets.
Reading is a great way to relax, and if you’re looking for a more interactive experience, you can always join your local library’s book club or find one online. You can also take up a new hobby like painting, cooking, or learning a foreign language.
If you have an outdoor space, you can also focus on gardening. The rise of urban gardening is also helping people reconnect with nature and providing an opportunity to be creative and productive.
Unplugging from Technology
You can start by limiting the number of devices you use in your home, such as computers, smartphones, tablets, and televisions. Limit the time you spend using each device or set a time limit for yourself. Additionally, please turn off all notifications on your device so that it does not constantly buzz and distract you from enjoying yourself.
Another great way to unplug from technology is to take “technology-free” days during which no tech gadgets are used. You might want to set specific rules, such as turning off phones and keeping them away while eating dinner or spending time with family.
Finally, you can also control the amount of online content that reaches your home by limiting access to the internet. You can do this by setting up parental controls on your network or disabling Wi-Fi for specific devices when not in use.
Get Familiar with Manual Appliances and Devices
Technology has made things easier for modern homeowners. However, there has been plenty of manual alternatives for years. Ditch the electric kitchen appliances and opt for manual ones. Invest in a hand-crank ice cream maker, an old-fashioned coffee grinder, and a traditional oven.
You can even get creative with these manual devices. For example, you can use your manual espresso machine to make extra creamy cappuccinos or your toaster oven to warm up muffins or croissants. A metal burr grinder can make freshly-ground coffee beans, which can be better than automatic coffee grinders or your nearest cafe.
The refrigerator, however, is an essential appliance that needs to remain connected. You can use it to store your food and drinks, so purchase one with energy-saving technology.
Decorate the Home with Nature
Bring in natural elements to your home, such as plants and flowers. Plants can help purify the air and create a pleasant atmosphere for your home. You can also hang up photos of nature scenes or bring some small statues of animals or birds. Doing this will help you reconnect with nature and provide you with an escape from technology, at least when inside your home.
Indoor plants are also good for your mental health. Studies have shown that having plants in your home can lead to greater feelings of contentment and satisfaction and a decreased stress level. There are a few critical indoor plants for your home, such as aloe vera, cactus, and snake plants. They are easy to care for and require minimal attention.
Final Thoughts
Creating a serene home does not mean getting rid of all technology. It simply means to disconnect from it and use it responsibly. You can still keep the necessary devices and limit your usage when possible. Get creative with manual appliances, bring in natural elements to decorate your home, and set up rules for technology-free days. Doing so will help create an atmosphere of peace and relaxation in your home.
