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Technology has become entrenched in our daily lives that we can't seem to function without our trusty gadgets.

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But while essential, our over-attachment to smartphones and gadgets also has detrimental effects on our overall wellbeing.

This is why health experts are endorsing the concept of digital detox, or the practice of temporarily detaching ourselves from our tech gadgets.

So while it's impossible to get rid of our gadgets dependency, a few minutes or hours of cutting digital consumption can do more wonders, especially to our mental health.

And you don't even have to go on a digital detox retreat (although that would be nice, of course). With a bit of discipline and know-how, you can unplug even in the comfort of your home.

Here are a few ways to get you started:

Download an app

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Ironically, embracing digital detox might mean having to install an app to help achieve results.

Apps like Flipd, AntiSocial, Forest, and Moment, are all designed to help one track and manage time spent on phones and digital tasks.

You don't need to install all of them and just choose one that suits your need and purpose.

Turn off all phone notifications

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While app notifications can be helpful, it can also be a source of distraction and stress.

Determine the essential apps and turn off audio pings and alerts of those you feel are less important.

You should practice turning off audio reminders on your phone at least at certain times during the day.

Stay clear from work emails during evenings and weekends, or at least allot a time when you can entertain email messages.

Use a traditional alarm clock

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Instead of using your smartphone to wake you up, why not use an analog alarm clock to do the job?

It's easy to tap the snooze button on your phone and it jumpstarts your gadget dependency early on during the day.

A traditional alarm clock would make you stretch your arms a bit to stop the alarm.

Set a “no gadget” me-time

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Pick certain hours during the day where you won't be near your gadgets.

Instead of glancing at your phone during lunch, why not read a book instead while enjoying your meal?

Perhaps take a walk outside and pay attention to your neighborhood.

You will be pleasantly surprised by the things you'll see and discover.

Can't venture outdoors for a quick walk? Maybe you can rearrange the house or simply spend a few minutes of quiet time to let your thoughts wander.

You can also implement a one device rule where you allow yourself to watch TV but would refrain from using your phone and computer.

Learn a new hobby

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The lockdown brought by the pandemic has allowed us to explore some hidden skills.

Learning a new hobby or skill is a good way to break free from our gadgets even for a few hours.

Hobbies like gardening, playing a musical instrument, writing your thoughts on paper, or doing arts and crafts are just some of the gadget-free activities that you can do.

You can also engage in sports like running, cycling, basketball, join a yoga class, or sign up to a nearby gym to get those muscles working.

Make your room gadget-free

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Refrain from bringing your phone or any form of gadgets inside your bedroom.

Not only will this help you sleep soundly, but it also has health benefits.

A study revealed that the artificial blue light emitted by phones and devices disrupts our body's melatonin--a hormone that regulates our sleep-wake cycle--from functioning properly, making us more alert at night and feel tired the following day.