Video: We discover the benefits of 'phone detoxing' with a Midland mindfulness expert

Conversations stopped dead in their tracks to the sound of a bleeping phone. These communication devices are so often a source for social woes, causing problems in many relationships. So why do so many of us opt for a screen over real human interaction?

Anji McGrandles, Wellness Coach and Founder of The Mind Tribe says: “I think it's fair to say we live in what I call and always on culture. You could say our smartphones are a bit like Swiss army knife type pieces of technology.

"So I think it, while our smartphones have made our lives easier, you know - we can literally access everything from anywhere. We've also become heavily reliant on them and our smartphone usage has definitely increased. It's at an all time high, so it's no wonder that it's influencing how we interact with people and our relationships.”

Working closely with Hoar Cross Hall in Staffordshire on a series of phone detoxing workshops recently, Anji sees the benefits for relationships when it comes to putting in the effort and being present.

“Well, from a relationship perspective, putting your phone down even just for short periods of time means you'll be more present, you'll be engaged, and that allows you to focus on real life interactions. It can reduce stress.

"There's been a number of studies that have shown that being always on, like at the beck and call of emails, always contactable, contributes to feeling stressed. So you can really boost your overall wellness just by taking mini phone breaks.”

Escaping the digital realm may be increasingly more difficult in today's world but Anji has some recommendations to stay present within reality. “Some simple things that couples can try and start with could be putting your phone away while you're having dinner, so having a tech-free dinner, having social free days where you delete all your social apps for 24 hours, again, that can help.

"I think the key to getting better at improving your relationship with technology and your relationship with your partner and loved ones is to start small. Just try taking a step back and making some small changes to help improve relationships and improve your relationship with your phone. Once you do that, you will start to see the overall wellness benefits.”