4 Areas to take a break from technology.

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There is nothing simpler than slowing down, turning off the TV and leaving your phone on the charger. While it may seem like you are slowing down by hanging out on the couch watching shows all afternoon and playing on your cell phone, it really is unhealthy and not a great way to spend time. Studies have shown that spending excessive time on a smartphone can disrupt your sleep, impact your memory and affect your ability to think clearly and have a serious impact on your overall mental health. If this isn’t a sign to put your phone down, I don’t know what else would do it. Now I’m not saying that I don’t use a smartphone, because I do. It allows me to work, communicate and even grant me entertainment no matter where we are. These phones really are just amazing and have come a long way since my first Nokia with a plastic purple sleeve. However, I do think that taking breaks from technology is a good way to keep your mind sharp, creativity flowing and taking stress/anxiety down a level.

I’m not saying that it will be easy, but it if you start small you will find yourself grabbing your phone less and less. Here are 4 key areas to start leaving your phone and staying in the moment:

When Talking with Someone

I live with my husband and two dogs. We usually have great communication, but when one of us in on our phone things will always slip through the cracks. I have started placing my phone face down and the television on mute so I can focus on what he is saying. With too many distractions it is hard to have an important conversation. That being said, if he is just joking around about something or commenting on the show we are watching I tend to just look up and listen. Actual conversations are what are good starting points for no technology. So turn off the TV, walk away from your phone and just talk.

At Meal Times

We have started eating at the table for dinner again and do not bring our phones. It can be a time to catch up from busy days, figure out what the plan for tomorrow will be and really just have some time to be together without any distractions. When it is time to sit down I simply plug my phone on the charger and return to the table. It is not always nonstop chatter, but even short conversations are fully heard and thought about.

In the Bathroom

I’m aware that this is gross, but seriously….don’t take your phone into the bathroom. It is not sanitary and it is gross. While I have never brought my phone in while using the the toilet, I am guilty of bringing my phone when taking a bath. Soaking for an hour, or even thirty minutes, is a long time to be alone without technology. I have been very guilty about scrolling through Pinterest and Instagram, doing internet searches or even catching up on a show that I am watching. Try not doing that! I have started giving myself some time just to soak and be. Meditate, think or even just enjoy the silence for 10-15 minutes before doing anything else. Spend some time reading while soaking or thinking about a fun activity to do with your family. Spend the time creatively instead of watching the creativity of someone else.

In the Bedroom

Just before bed and the just after waking are two times that I often check my phone. One last check before heading to bed and figuring out what happened since I headed to sleep. I keep my phone plugged in in another room. I am not a great sleeper and even the smallest thing can wake me up and often I’m not able to get back to sleep. The less distractions I have in the bedroom the better. If I don’t have to be up at a certain time, I plug my phone in out in our living room. If I do, I plug it in in our bathroom so I can hear the alarm. I have been looking for an alarm clock that I like so I can stop doing that, but haven’t found one yet.

I hope that these small areas of time are helpful in helping you put down your technology and focus on your mind, mental health and relationships. I will be right there with you in trying to enjoy my time more and really be more intentional about the way I use technology. Let us know what ways you are stepping away from using technology too much in the comments below. As always, thank you for reading and joining us on this journey. Simply, Beth