Turn Off the Tech

Technology is the current drug of choice for many.  Addiction can only be understood when the object is taken away.  Are you addicted to your technology?  Have you tried leaving the phone, tablet or computer turned off for a day or even a few hours?  We can never fully realize how much we NEED to be connected until we aren’t.  Powering down promotes a time of rest and relaxation for our thoughts and allows creative thought to flow.  Going into the New Year it will help clarify our goals and passions.

Today’s challenge is to remember to power down over the holidays.  Let’s remember to look around at what’s right in front of us.  We can’t predict the future.  This holiday plan some technology free time.  Pick a day to spend playing family games, read some books to your children, get some family activity like building a snowman (if there’s snow) or going out for a family walk.  Make a point to reconnect with family and friends.  Try to take time to slow down, focus on gratitude and find joy.  I want us all to remember that life is precious, memories are being made, the family is ALL one year older, from the babies and children to the parents and grandparents.  Let’s remember that it’s more fun to hold some one else’s hand rather than a cell phone!

The holidays can be stressful for many reasons.  It has been proven that when you use less technology you experience lower levels of anxiety and stress.  I suggest taking at least a full day or two and putting away the phone, computer and devices.  Make a social media post in advance and let people know to reach you on a land line, if needed, and then disconnect.

There are also health risks associated with consistent and constant tech in your day-to-day life.  Eye strain, eye focus, double vision, and neck and shoulder strain are just a few of the mild issues.  There are more extreme conditions such as sleep disturbances and even cancer!  Just cutting back daily over the holidays can help.  Try not checking the phone until 10am and not after 8pm.  Try putting all phone and technology away during meals and family gatherings. 

I understand how difficult this can be.  Maybe you need to be connected for work related issues, or because there are other pressing matters in your life at this time.  I understand that your circumstances may make this difficult so maybe disconnecting for you means taking a break from social media or even just taking 30 minutes a day to focus all of your attention on your family with no interruptions.  Its up to you how this is going to look for your life and your holiday schedule.  I just hope that you try something, and I can’t wait to hear what that something is! 

Thank you for reading again today!  I am having SO much fun reading your comments!  I appreciate your presence!!