the techtimeout10 challenge
we're challenging you, your family and your workplace...
Screen time is understandably on the rise and we need technology to keep us connected.
But we can't ignore the impact of overusing our devices and endlessly scrolling social media.
Several studies reveal that technology is addictive (but we bet you knew that anyway!). It's shown to impact mental health, productivity and relationships for people of all ages.
The techtimeout10 challenge is designed to raise awareness of the dependency we have on technology and the benefits that can be had from truly disconnecting.
Join hundreds of others and start the challenge as an individual, group or workplace...
how it works...
choose a length of time
Decide how much time you're going to spend away from technology.
Pick a time that challenges you but don't worry we're not asking you to disconnect for long! It could be 20, 40 or over 60 minutes. You can pick a time that suits your schedule and mix it up each day.
choose a tech-free activity
Choose how you're going to spend your tech-free time. This could be reading, baking, painting or exercise - the list is endless.
You could use it as an opportunity to learn something new - like a new skill, language or musical instrument.
See some more ideas here.
put your phone away (out of sight) and enjoy
It's proven that having your phone in sight can impact your focusing power - even if you're not actively using it.
This is why we created the techtimeout challenge bags so that you can get your phone out of sight, and out of your mind.
Our challenge bags are available to buy here or if you're looking to purchase on behalf of a business you can contact us for a business pack.
Alternatively, you could use a sock... preferably a clean one!
share what you get up to using #tto10
Together we can change the way people use technology.
Challenge your friends, family and colleagues to take part too!
FAQs
We've compiled a list of some of the commonly asked questions about the techtimeout10
Still got questions? Get in touch with us.
Yes, of course!
We want as many people involved as possible. You choose your start date and off you go!
You can rope in friends or family if you do want to add a competition element and compare what you get up to on your 'techtimeouts' each day.
It can be easier to introduce a new habit (or break an old one) if you've got support from other people. Ever notice the urge to check your phone if you see someone else on theirs!
You don't need an official techtimeout challenge bag. Find something that fits your phone and keeps it out of sight. We've seen glasses cases, boxes and even socks used.
The techtimeout branded bags can act as a nice reminder to take a break. If you would like to purchase one, visit our shop.
The profit from any purchases helps us continue doing the work we do - raising awareness of technology dependency and helping people use technology in a more balanced way.
It can be anything that doesn't involve a screen. Reading, exercising or baking are three of the most popular activities. We've seen people revisit hobbies that they haven't prioritised for a while, and lots of people have taken up new hobbies. You can see more ideas here.
Imagine if you dedicated half of the time you spend on your phone to learning a new language or a musical instrument?
Yes, we've created some useful resources for teams and businesses who would like to take part.
It's a great way to introduce the concept of tech/life balance to your employees and it's fun too!
Get in touch with us and we'll send you more resources.
Technology has evolved (and continues to evolve) at a rapid pace. We've all embraced technology and a digital world but have you ever taken a step back to realise it's impact both personally and professionally?
Overwhelm and burnout are all too common. Research shows that overusing and mindless use of technology impacts mental health, productivity, focusing power and relationships.
It's time to raise awareness of our dependency on technology and make 'techtimeouts' (a period of time, away from screens) a regular thing!
The beauty of the challenge is that there is no set start date... but there's no time like the present!
You can complete the 10 days on your own or challenge friends, family and colleagues to join in too.
If you're a business, we suggest picking a start date that gives you enough time to fully inform your employees. We've got email templates as part of our resource pack that you can share with your employees to get them on board.
TESTIMONIALS
what are people saying
We truly believe in the benefits of techtimeout, but don’t just take our word for it.
“So much of our time both at work and at home is spent on phones and computers, with notifications popping up here, there, and everywhere. Technology has so much power for good, but only if we also know how to step away from it and give our brain and body the chance to both enjoy the power of connection with people, nature, and rest.
At MHFA England®, we are proudly paving the way for positive mental health in the workplace, and as part of our approach to wellbeing we will be partnering with techtimeout to host this year's digital wellbeing day ‘techtimeout tuesday’ on 28 November to encourage improvements in our digital habits, and we'll be encouraging our network of Mental Health First Aiders to get involved too."
Simon Blake
CEO, Mental Health First Aid England
"We’re in the PR & communications business. In today’s digital world that means we inevitably spend a lot of time on tech. The health and well-being of our team is paramount. They know they can take a break, go for a walk, take time out any time of the day but we know all companies aren’t like us. That’s why techtimeout is such a fantastic initiative – by encouraging leaders to engage with staff on the issue of mental health and wellness it has put the issue on the national business agenda."
Amy Bould
Be Bold Media
"It's very easy for the act of making time away from the screen to slip down the priority list, so the techtimeout campaign came at a great time in a year where the divide between work and home life has got increasingly blurry. It was great to intentionally get out for a walk at lunchtime and leave my phone at home, and I noticed how much more recharged I felt for the rest of the day. This is definitely something that I would like to keep up!"
Helen Rawnsey
Birmingham St Marys Hospice
"In a world where a phone, tablet, computer, games consoles and all the other screens we see daily are prolific, it’s important to step back and appreciate that they're only machines. The initiative by techtimeout was an important idea to me to ensure I help my daughter grow up with a healthy relationship with technology, not just being glued to the thing like I find myself far too often."
Chris Howey
Tantec
"The majority of our employees are being forced to work remotely due to the Coronavirus Pandemic and are more reliant than ever on using technology to stay in touch. Their wellbeing is of great concern to us. We encouraged our staff to take 10 minutes away from their laptops, to go for a lunchtime walk, or a walk before or after work as part of techtimeout tuesday."
Cllr. Graham Breeze
Powys County Council
"The techtimeout10 challenge made a huge difference to the team. We all made the effort to turn off and go outside or do something we loved, and we shared what we were doing with each other - everyone had smiles on their faces and it was great for me as a manager to know that my staff were taking some time out for themselves and stepping away from their screens"
Rhea Alton
Managing Director, J&PR