Hello everyone, I am August Brice. I’ve been living and loving a natural, non-toxic lifestyle since before I had kids – and now those kids are in their 30s.
They grew up in a chemical-free home, with everything organic, only glass water bottles, no VOC furniture or paint… but also, no WiFi! I know this might sound a little extreme, but when I was younger I developed something called electromagnetic or Sensitivity to electromagnetic fields. I knew it as soon as I picked up my first cell phone. I actually felt the energy. And the more I was around her, the more I had headaches, numbness, tingling, insomnia.
What was happening?!
So I started my research. I learned that although only a small percentage of us were aware of the effects of EMFs, many more of us felt them. As the world headed headlong into the new age of technology, I put my journalism degree to good use and did some digging. Reach out to scientists, mental health experts and doctors. The impact of technology hasn’t stopped at EMF. It was clear: impacts on relationships and mental health; overconsumption and addictions; the effects of blue light on our natural sleep cycles and, of course, online privacy and security.
There was so much confusion, so much misinformation and so much fear. I knew I had to create a space of clarity and truth, equipping people with expert knowledge and practical solutions.
And so, Technological well-being was born! A positive space for science-backed information and solutions that are easy to implement, one healthy step at a time. Today, it has become the most visited website covering the topics we focus on. Concepts and solutions are reviewed by a powerful group of experts and tested personally by me. We help people thrive with technology in their lives by minimizing Technological toxins: EMC, Blue light , Digital distraction/addiction And Privacy thieves.
A note on electromagnetic fields
Since you’re here on The Skinny Confidential, you’re probably already aware of blue light and mental health issues related to technology use. I would, however, like to set the record straight regarding EMFs, as the term is often thrown around in the wellness world without much clarity.
EMF stands for electromagnetic fields. These are waves of energy that come from anything that has an electrical component. There are different types of EMFs – some come from wiring, power lines, and appliances, and yes, some even occur naturally in our world. But our biggest concern is the type of EMF that comes from wireless devices, like WiFi, cell phones, wireless speakers, laptops, absolutely anything that has Bluetooth, WiFi, or a cellular signal. There is plenty of peer-reviewed research that has linked wireless EMF to health effects such as cancer, infertility, anxiety, autism, and more. If you’d like to learn more about all things EMF, including the research behind it, check out my EMC Guide.
Like all toxins in our world (chemicals in our cleaners, contaminants in our water and food, etc.), technological toxins can weigh on us, harming our health and balance. I’ve spent decades building a life with minimal technological toxins. I sleep well, my phone doesn’t harm or tempt me, and my house is virtually EMF-free. It feels so good, and I want that for you.
Where to start? Let’s just focus on what you can control – your own house. Your sanctuary of well-being. A place where you can rest and heal.
I will walk you through your house, room by room. Think of it as a Technological Toxins Tour – with steps you can take for an at-home digital detox – whether you’re just dipping your toes in the water or want to dive in. Let’s get started:
Your whole healthy home
Wi-Fi
Probably the biggest source of EMF in your home, so small changes have a big impact! Distance is your friend when it comes to any EMF, because the further you are from the source, the less exposed you are. Place it as far away from living spaces as possible, about 20 to 30 feet.
GOOD: Turn off Wi-Fi at night or when not in use. I prefer one WiFi kill switch to turn off anywhere in the house rather than unplugging it. (Cheat code: Keep the switch on your nightstand to make it part of your bedtime routines)
Bonus: WiFi OFF means one less temptation to connect.
Better: Get a Low EMF Wi-Fi. It works the same way but has been specially modified to reduce electromagnetic fields and more privacy.
Best: Get rid of WiFi completely and connect your Internet! This seems like a big step, but it’s easier than you think. I organized a Wiring kit which contains everything you need to get started. Wired is also faster and more secure. Not quite ready to ditch WiFi? Try this: connect devices to it with Ethernet cords and turn off wireless so you no longer directly touch the EMF.
Smart meter
Utility companies have replaced old school meters with wireless smart meters. They’re like mini-WiFi that sends EMF signals and real-time data about your entire home’s energy usage and analyzes it (privacy alert!).
GOOD: Move living/bedroom areas away from where your smart meter is mounted. You can easily find it outside your house.
Better: Get a smart meter cover which blocks up to 98% of electromagnetic fields.
Best: Call your power company to get it removed and replaced with an analog counter.
Living room
Smart TV
Most TVs these days are “smart” whether you want to buy one or not. And that television happens to be a trio of toxins: blue light, electromagnetic fields and privacy. This could include listening to you, monitoring what you watch, and then sharing your data.
GOOD: Make sure your TV is completely turned off. Even after you press the power button on your remote, your TV sends wireless EMFs looking for a connection, or even listening. This is why you should unplug your TV when it is not in use. This outlet is usually hard to reach, so I connect ours to a WiFi kill switch.
Better: Go to the TV’s privacy settings and say NO to non-private options like “listen,” “Microphone,” “Voice,” or “Usage Data”: While you’re at it, turn off Bluetooth or WiFi if you’re not using it.
Best: An old-fashioned TV without any fancy wireless connections. Try a projector and use your computer. Here is a nice how to do it.
Screens
All, TVs, Computers, Laptops, etc. : are saturated with blue light and flicker which can damage your eyes and disrupt your sleep. Start by wearing Blue light blockers after sunset. This helps signal your body to make/release melatonin. Learn more about light, flicker, and screen adjustments here.
Speakers
All wireless speakers are equipped with Bluetooth (artificial EMF). Place the speakers as far away from where you are sitting. Or try the fully wired ones: For computers And one for televisions. Sonos Disclosure: Bluetooth remains on even when you’re connected to the Internet. Ugh.
Kitchen/Laundry room
Microwave
One of the most obvious sources of radiation in your home. But I often hear from people who don’t yet know that it can be dangerous. Exposing yourself to extreme levels of EMF and changing your diet – no thanks.
GOOD: Stay more than 15 feet away whenever it is on.
Better: Stay away and only use it to warm non-food items like hot compresses.
Best: Say goodbye to the microwave. Try a toaster oven, stove, or oven instead. Your taste buds will thank you.
Smart devices
I recently tested a mug that has a Bluetooth app to tell you the temperature of your coffee. So useless. Even if you don’t connect the “smart” things to your phone or WiFi, they still send a signal and probably still follow you. Talk about toxic!
GOOD: Turn off wireless components when you can – turn off WiFi and Bluetooth in settings.
Better: Invest in a EMF meter to help you find hidden sources and see EMF levels
Best:Opt for the non-smart version of the device first. Or try locating the actual wireless chips and physically removing them. This seems extra but I did it with my washer/dryer.
Desk
Wireless headphones
GOOD: Speak on loudspeaker. AirPods and wireless headphones constantly expose you to extreme levels of EMF.
Better: Use wired headphones instead. All wired headphones are good, but EMF Free Air Tube Headphones are better.
Best: Invest in an old-fashioned landline phone – especially if you work from home.
Computers and printers
Your laptop and printer are electric And Wireless EMC.
GOOD: Place this laptop on a desk, not on your lap, and keep the printer away from where you are sitting.
Better: Do the same, but add a grounded power source that you connect from the charging ports to your computer, which will also eliminate electric fields. And here’s our Switch again, to turn it off when it’s not printing.
Best: Connect the computer and printer to the Internet. And add a Router without WiFi Or Ethernet ground connector without electrical or wireless EMF. I set this up kit so you can use any wireless device.
Standing desk
A sneaky source of electrical EMF.
GOOD: As for electric EMF risk coming from your electrical outlets, simply position yourself several centimeters or a foot away from the wiring.
Better: No wiring, simply use an adjustable stand placed on your desk and free of electrical wires.
Best: Unplug it when not adjusting the height. I plug mine into a WiFi kill switch so I can just press the button.
Bburden: I love a good treadmill to place under your standing desk, but choose one without a wireless connection – no app needed.
Cameras
One privacy issue to be aware of in your office is the cameras on your computer, your phone, and sometimes even your smart TVs! Hacking your camera is one of the simplest hacks in the book (or so I’ve been told). camera covers so that no one has eyes in your private space.
Bedroom
If you have trouble sleeping, this digital detox is for you.
86% of Americans admit to using their phone in bed before falling asleep. But studies to show:
+ EMFs reduce melatonin.
+ Each bedtime screen time is tied to 24 minutes less sleep.
+ The risk of developing breast cancer increases when women use their phones within 5 minutes of going to bed.
So first, promise me, no phone under the pillow, turn off the Wifi (unless it has be on it) no “smart” beds. The connection with your partner — or your soul — will be blessed without this tech-toxin-TV trifecta, so a no on that would be great, too.
The bed and its surroundings
GOOD: Try to get rid of/unplug any electronic devices that are on your nightstand or right next to your bed. Diffusers, air filters, clocks, lamps, etc. Any cord comes with an electric electromagnetic field.
Better: If there is electrical wiring in the wall, you have electromagnetic fields, so give them some space to dissipate and move your bed a few inches away from the wall.
Best: Try my natural OTEK Anti-EMF canopy. Reduces wireless radiation by 99% and is worth the investment.
Prime: Avoid a mattress containing metal. Wireless waves bounce off metal and can create hot spots that will disrupt your own electrical being.
Light bulbs
GOOD: Put on your blue light blockers at least two hours before bed to block blue light from traditional light bulbs.
Better: Banish flickering LED lights of all types from your sanctuary and replace them with blue light free and anti-flicker bulbs.
Best: Do candles only before going to bed for the most beautiful and relaxing moment of relaxation.
Phone
GOOD: If you have to turn on your phone while you sleep, keep it as far away as possible.
Better: Switch your phone to airplane mode (and not Ghost plane mode).
Best: Make your bedroom a phone-free zone. If you’re worried about missing emergency calls, try a wired landline. My daughters know this is the best way to reach us.
Bonus Tips: I would be remiss if I didn’t offer some of my favorite mental health and privacy tips…
+ Choose an app to turn off notifications for. Every bing and banner distracts your attention from the things that matter most.
+ Clear your home screen so that when you pick up your phone, all apps are on the second page. It’s so much less crowded.
+ Go grayscale.
+ Do not pick up the phone at least 15 minutes before going to bed and when getting up in the morning.
+ “Privacy & Security” settings to see which apps have access to your location, microphone and camera. Disable anything that is not completely necessary.
+ Remember to only give your email when a store or site asks for your phone number (or gives them a fake number). I’m the only person I know who has never received spam and I bet it’s because I don’t give my number out freely.
Notes for toddlers:
Opt for EMF-Free Wired Baby Monitors or try the simple Dozing breathing monitor without any EMF.
Ditch the fancy Bluetooth audio machines and opt for one simple sound machine without connection to the application.
Minimize your toys with wireless components (for example, choose the Sinks box via the Yoto Player – you can turn off WiFi once all stories are downloaded to the Tonie. I love it!).
Make sure video games are wired or completely turned off before bed.
Choose blue night lights without light.
Encourage them to put their devices “to bed” in a common area and make their bedroom a screen-free zone.
A simple start – I promise.
All right. It could have been a bit overwhelming! I get it, there’s a lot that can be done to give your home a complete digital detox. But here’s the thing about toxins: the more you can avoid them, the better off you are. Here are 6 powerful steps to try now:
+ Turn off your WiFi at night or when you’re not using it. Make your job easier with this to change.
+ Choose a speaker or wired headset on AirPods or other wireless headphones.
+ Unplug your Smart TV when you’re not watching.
+ Do not place your laptop on your lap. Not even with a laptop shield!
+ Locate your smart devices and turn off wireless features: does your fridge really need to be connected to an app?!
+ Switch your phone to airplane mode when you’re not using it.
I hope you will try even one step towards a more private, peaceful and healthy technological life. I don’t do everything all the time, but I wrote this using zero WiFi, and when I scroll through Instagram to see Lauryn’s latest post, my phone is connected to an Ethernet cable.
If you want to know more, I’m really excited. Visit Technological well-beingbecome a Wellness Insider and join my mailing list. We have hundreds of great demos on my YouTube channel. I also share lots of tips and latest news on Instagram. Please join us.
If you would like to consult an expert on how to make your home safer, our team of Tech Hero is here for you.
Be well!
+++
What do you think is the easiest tip to implement? Airplane mode on your phone is so simple and it will increase your concentration 100%.
Follow August on IG for tons of quick tips and be sure to check out his YouTube channel for detailed tutorials on exactly how to make these switches in your home.
x, the Skinny Confidential team.
+ Lauryn’s Favorite EMF Protection Products here.
++ Learn simple, non-toxic solutions with In there Olien.
DIGITAL DETOX:
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