Have you ever found yourself in a “technology rut”? By “rut,” I mean, have you ever felt like your entire life revolves around some sort of screen? There are days when I feel like I just move from screen to screen–from doing a workout in front of the iPad, to my work computer, to my phone on my lunch break, to home where I use my personal computer, TV, and phone.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m often thankful for the instant access to information. I solve my directional challenges by looking up directions. We can settle debates on song lyrics in 30 seconds flat.
The negatives snuck up on us, though. We had been in a “technology rut” for a long time. Every day included the same basic routine:
- Get up.
- Go to work.
- Come home from work.
- Eat dinner (on the couch with the TV on).
- Relax on the couch (with the TV still on and phones out).
- Go to bed.
At least we’re not alone…? I did some research (using my phone, so another screen!) 21% of Americans report that they go online “almost constantly,” while 42% go online several times a day and 10% go online about once a day. (Read the entire article here.)
Our devices were no longer enhancing our lives, they were overtaking them. In an attempt to get away from this ordinary, boring (and unhealthy) lifestyle, we decided to make more conscious efforts to turn off our technology from time to time.
To our surprise, this had even more consequences than we thought!
We Feel ACCOMPLISHED
Spending entire mornings on our couch doing nothing but look at a screen became a norm; what a way to waste the much-anticipated weekend! Who wants to say that all they accomplished on their weekend was a high score in Snake vs. Block?!
When we limited our screen time, we Got. Things. Done. Garbage was taken out, mail was brought in, dishes were washed, and bills got paid on time. Simple, but feels so great to check these off the to-do list!
We Feel More Relaxed
This seems counterintuitive because we had been using our devices to relax. But the problem with having devices that do so many things is that they do so many things. Sometimes I just want to use my phone to catch up on the day’s news before I go to bed, but I get distracted by notifications. By the time I deal all of the interruptions, it’s way past bedtime and I haven’t even read any news.
We took the few minutes to limit the number of notifications we receive. A previous strategy was telling ourselves that we could just ignore them, but more often than not, when a device chimes, we can’t help but be curious and look at it.
It was a process to train ourselves that it is okay to not jump up every time a device makes a sound or to just put them in silent mode (especially during those times when you know you just don’t NEED your device, like being on vacation or spending time with family and friends). When our attention isn’t constantly being pulled in one direction and then another, we can focus and relax.
We Have Higher Self-Esteem
I enjoy scrolling through Facebook to see what friends are up to. Aaron avoids social media like the plague. I do have to admit that he’s onto something there.
Most of the time, I really just like to look at people’s pictures (I don’t remember the last time I actually updated my own personal status). And while I enjoy ooo-ing and ahh-ing over new babies or checking out a friend’s sweet vacation destination, every once in a while I feel the green monster of jealousy as I mindlessly scroll. It’s easy to forget the “perfect” lives online aren’t actually perfect.
Limiting my social media helps me focus on me. I do other things that I enjoy, and I actually feel more accomplished and feel better about myself. I find myself looking for fun things that I can do, like hiking and taking in beautiful views (and post on Facebook later)!
We are Engaged in Right now
Communication is key to a successful marriage, but we’re both guilty of appearing to be more interested in Imgur or Pinterest than the other’s attempt to converse.
We have lost opportunities to connect when we wouldn’t peel our eyes away from a screen. This is just plain dumb because when we ask ourselves what could be so important that it can’t be put aside for for even a minute, it’s a simple answer. Nothing.
By consciously putting our devices down more often, we are more engaged in the physical world around us. We no longer rely on others’ photos and YouTube videos in a pseudo-reality to see what’s right in front of us; instead, we make an effort to experience these moments ourselves.
We Think More
While we do learn new things online (sometimes), the constant stimulation doesn’t mean we’re using our brains. We are consumed by a barrage of online input that doesn’t allow us to really think, learn, and create ideas.
Part of our mission to rethink the way we use our devices has helped us to keep our brains more active. We no longer always rely on a device to keep us occupied; we exercise our brains to think of something new, creative, and away from the ordinary to do!
So now what?
Maybe this all sounds great to you but is easier said than done? We’ve made progress, but we still sometimes fall back on old routines. Turning off our technology is not something we do without putting forth effort.
The most important point we strive to make for ourselves is that if we consciously work on balancing technology, we will become better versions of ourselves. We’ll live a life with meaning and experience the things that make a life meaningful. It’s like most things in life that are worth striving for–it will take time, a whole lot of patience, and even more practice. Try it–what have you got to lose?
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