Taking Time to Unplug
How many of you are using your cell phone as your alarm clock? Hey, we’re guilty of it too! But looking at your screen—even if it’s just to hit the snooze button—can set your mind racing. There are many benefits to the technology we have access to, but constant screen and sound notifications, from texts to email to social media alerts, can divide your attention (hello mindless eating while scrolling!), shatter your focus on a specific task, and even skyrocket your anxiety.
So, what is the solution?
Let’s face it: we’re not going to get away from using technology. But we can set boundaries around how and when we use it. The key is to start small! We’ve already suggested how putting away your phone—even just 30 minutes—before bed can be beneficial. The next thing you can try is to add to this time little by little to create more of a buffer between the last time you looked at your phone and when your head hits the pillow. You can even try enabling the ‘do not disturb’ feature on your phone.
When you head out for a walk, run, or workout, if you feel safe to do so, leave your phone at home. This can be a great way to ensure you feel present during your movement and stop that automatic itch to check your phone.
But it’s not all about the phones, right?
Chances are you have a laptop, tablet, and/or TV in your house too. The portability of these things mean we can take them from room to room without so much as taking our eyes off the screen. Try designating certain places in your home as tech-free zones. Like the dinner table, so you and your kids can hear about each other’s day. Or the bedroom, making it your oasis of rest and relaxation. Try and see if you can leave your phone out of the bathroom too (c’mon, we’ve all done this!). Even removing chargers from these areas can be helpful, since that means devices won’t go anywhere near your tech-free zones.
If you can, set an out of office for your work email over the weekend (and definitely when you take holidays!). This lets others know when they can expect a response from you and takes the pressure off you to check and answer emails.
Picking up hobbies that aren’t screen-based can help minimize your time with technology. It could be baking, drawing, candle making, scrapbooking, yoga, calling a friend, reading, embroidery, playing an instrument, anything you’ve been meaning to try and haven’t yet!
It can be difficult to implement some of these ideas when we are so used to relying on technology to entertain us, but once you get into a bit of a routine, you’ll find it get easier and may even feel calmer and more refreshed.
💛 Your peace awaits.
