What does your life look like? You have 24 hours in a day, 168 hours in a week, around 720 hours in a month. How do you use that time?
Studies show that the average smartphone user checks their device 150 times a day. It’s official, we’re all screen junkies! In fact, research shows that young adults who overuse technology show similar brain patterns to those addicted to alcohol and cocaine.
Technology is an integral part of our lives, and of course, we wouldn’t want it any other way. Screens deliver a never-ending barrage of new shiny things in order for us to be more relevant, more available… More. More. More! Yup, the amount of information coming at us is alarming and our bodies have not yet evolved to be able to handle it. The consequences? Constant headaches, eye strains, back and neck problems, attention span decrease, worsened quality of sleep, and weaker social bonds – to name just a few.
In order to create balance and a lifestyle that will allow you to be present in your life, it’s necessary to be mindful of how much is too much. Thing is, life at it’s best, is right in front of you. Experiences will never repeat themselves; conversations should be real and authentic. Going totally “off the grid” isn’t a viable option for most of us, but what we can do is be more intentional with technology by using it for our benefit rather than being trapped by it. Zuckerberg and Google might rule the Internet world, but you rule how you engage with it!
So, let’s start small and see where it takes us:
Go old school
Switch to a standard alarm clock instead of using your phone. No more checking emails and social media first thing in the morning. Also use your wristwatch to check the time instead of looking at your phone.
Disconnect once a week
Pick a day of the week where you can focus your attention 100% on “real life”. Shut off all computers, tablets and if you are courageous enough, your cell phone. Give your brain a chance to reset. Stimulation can be exhausting. Do something physical!
Limit social media
Only access it on a predetermined time every day. Limit yourself to one screen at a time. No more watching Netflix while browsing Instagram!
Out of sight, out of mind
If your phone is not in your hand, you can’t use it. Leave your phone in your backpack or handbag when you’re working.
Silence notifications
Especially Facebook, it’s designed to trap you into that blue world!
Have tech-free activities
Stop multitasking. Shut down and simply eat dinner, drive to work, and actually work. See if you can start a trend. When you take your kids to school; instead of holding a device, you get to hold his/her hand.
Protect your time and say yes to deeper connections; to yourself, to mother nature, and to those you love.
Source: www.pbs.org, phys.org, fluxtrends.co.za, insidetec.monster.com, roogirl.com, www.dosomething.org, deepikamittra.com, medium.com, authorunlimited.com, www.themuse.com, www.travelblog.com, www.lifehack.org, www.becomingminimalist.com
