Technology has taken a bold step into our modern lives and is streaming on demand, day and night with little interruption. Studies show that the average user now spends an entire day every week online, and these numbers are on the rise, particularly for the younger, social crowd.
78 percent of the population now uses smartphones for communication, making them a prized pinging device, but convenience often comes with a hidden cost. It remains unclear just how good/bad Wi-Fi is for our health, as most companies are looking after profits and we all desire a little more entertainment in our lives. Simply put, enough time has not elapsed to know the potential risky future – though there are warnings to limit exposure for children.
It is not only the blue light of the screen affecting our melatonin levels before bed that makes technology too much of a good thing, it is the fact that we are letting it run our lives that makes the effects of overconsumption wildly unpredictable.
From this app to that, to being available at a button’s notice, technology does not leave us much time for quiet or for spending essential time alone.
Whether you work in an office, or are a stay-at-home entrepreneur, know that limiting your screen time will benefit your creativity and your productivity too. If you strive to live a healthy life, increasing your tech-free time makes perfect sense, not only for you, for those around you as well.
How to reduce your dependence on technology? Follow any, or all, of these five steps for glimpses of a life lived well, offline.
Tackle Your FOMO
Your fear of missing out is in direct relationship to how often you check your email and social media. In reality, it can wait! To spend less time checking “just to see”, turn off all notifications so you are not even tempted to see what is going on beyond the screen.
Then set more strict measures in place to check social media just twice a day, even once! Addiction to technology is a real thing, make sure that you are not abusing your modern privilege.
Turn Off Your Phone One Hour Before Bed…
… and turn it back on one hour after waking in the morning. Shutting your phone off for the night may seem like a radical thing to do, if it helps, just pretend you are out in the wilderness ready for a peaceful night’s sleep.
An alternative is to put your phone in airplane mode which prevents the device from sending or receiving calls and texts. It also goes without saying that you should not sleep with your phone. Leave it in another room, within hearing distance and use a traditional alarm clock, if necessary to wake you up.
Install An App That Limits Your Use Of Technology
Apps that help you reduce your screen time run the gauntlet from user-friendly to useless. Some can block you for a length of time that you determine, such as Off the Grid. AntiSocial is an app that compares your screen usage data to others in your gender/age group. Use apps wisely and they can be a reminder to be present in your current situation. Work instead on maintaining physical relationships while you carve out coffee breaks and lunches without a screen taking a seat at the table.
Be Flexible In Exploring Your Off-Screen Limits
Put your phone in silent mode as you drive or go for a walk in nature. Leave it in your car as you go shopping. Imagine that you are a child again, what does it feel like to only have a landline and promise to be somewhere on time – and actually show up? It is liberating, isn’t it?, not to be attached to a constant reminder that we are always needed here and now. Give yourself a break from the demands of technology to find inner peace.
Go For A Full Digital Detox Day
An entire day (or the morning off if you are a beginner) without technology gives you time to rest, relax and breathe in new opportunities offline. Take time to read a physical book, craft something with your hands, garden, sit and contemplate life before technology took charge – rejoice in the fact that we are old enough to remember what life was like before the omnipresent computer. Children born with a screen in their hands don’t know this freedom until we present it to them.
That being said, the best way to lead is by example. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, caregiver or childminder, show the younger generations that you too can go hours without a screen – and enjoy it too! The Earth and your personal relationships will thank you for taking time offline.
Bio
Cheryl Magyar is a Sustainable Life Designer – sustainability coach for introverts and families alike, guiding them along the greenest path to making eco-conscious work|life decisions.
Contact Cheryl through her website ForestCreekMeadows for more inspiration.
Photo by Lum3n.comfrom Pexels.
Technology are useful to us but the importance of it depends on how we used it. Just like how teens adapt technology, it could take them in danger if they are not careful. It’s a good thing to have workshop like this to all teachers for them to know the importance and the use of every technology.
I am so proud of you and your efforts and work make me realize that anything can be done with patience and sincerity. Well I am here to say that your work has inspired me without a doubt.
So interesting! Thanks for all the work you’re putting in!
Hi Author,
Stays on topic and states valid points. Thank you.
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Hi Author,
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