Most people living off the grid are also concerned with consumerism and the idea that modern society used too much of the earth’s natural resources. [1] X Research source

Research has shown that social isolation can be dangerous to your health, as it impairs immune function and increases inflammation. These symptoms are precursors to diabetes and heart disease. [3] X Research source If you think your reasons for wanting to cut yourself off from society are due to your own feelings of sadness or loneliness, consider seeing your doctor or a mental health professional.

If you think you’ve been wrongly accused, hire a lawyer and fight the charge. You will likely still need to report to the police.

Your time frame will determine your actions. For example, if you want to cut yourself off for a year, think about moving somewhere remote.

Many carriers require their users to sign a contract for coverage. Breaking this contract before the agreed coverage date has been reached may involve paying a fee. [7] X Research source Ahearn, F. & Horan, E. (2010). How to disappear, erase your digital footprint, leave false trails & vanish without a trace. Lyons Press.

If you frequent a business, such as a shop or a restaurant, ask for what you need and nothing more. Do not make small talk with the shopkeeper or waitperson. Do not engage in conversation with others while waiting for the bus.

Stop answering the phone or opening your door to callers. Complete isolation may be difficult if you still need to go to work and communicate with co-workers and supervisors. This will be somewhat easier if you live alone. You can use your home as a sanctuary where you can isolate yourself.

Ruthless: You can cut people out ruthlessly by telling them you don’t want to hang out anymore. You will likely come across as mean and rude. Honest: In this approach, you can be honest by telling your friends that you are in the process of cutting yourself off from society. Expect resistance from people who care about you. Avoiding: You can just stop talking to the people in your life. Avoid their calls, avoid making eye contact if they’re talking to you. Passive: Decline invitations and let your friends get tired of asking you to hang out. It’s healthy for you to cut negative people from your life. These people can restrict your growth and stability. [11] X Research source Establish boundaries for your own well-being by refusing to have these people in your life.

Be compassionate with your loved ones. It can be devastating for parents to have a child cut himself off from them. They may undergo the same sorts of feelings associated with the death of a child. [12] X Research source

If you have children that you care for, this is probably not a good time to cut yourself off from society.

If you’re living off the grid, get a post office box in a nearby town. You can check this periodically without needing to talk with anyone.

Make sure to ask this person if they want to be your emergency contact.

You may be able to adapt a cabin for your own purposes, or you might want to build yourself a new house or cabin. You might choose a location that is a couple of hours’ drive from the nearest gas station or grocery store. There may be no hospital within many miles. If this is the case, you might not have access to medical services.

Look into purchasing additional solar panels as you can afford them. While you might adjust to life with less electricity, there are certain conveniences that you will probably want. Get rechargeable batteries. Make sure they are never less than 50% charged to ensure that you will always have enough power. [13] X Research source

Use a water-testing kit. This kit will help you determine whether your water has safe or unsafe levels of certain chemicals in it. These kits are readily available online or at home improvement stores. Some counties offer free water testing as well. Be sure to filter your water to avoid sickness. For example, if your water is high in lime, you may get a stomach ache if you drink it unfiltered.

Assemble a medical kit with supplies such as bandages, antibiotics, penicillin, thread and needle for doing stitches, and other supplies.

Learn what plants can grow in different seasons so that you constantly have fresh food growing in your garden. Store vegetables over the winter. Potatoes, onions, carrots and other root vegetables are especially well-suited to long-term storage in a cool place.

If you’re off the grid, your internet access may be limited or nonexistent. This might make telecommuting a difficult proposition.