At the start of this new year, I realized I needed to make some changes to how I’m using my phone. In this week’s episode, I’m outlining the problems I was having with technology and how it impacted my daily life, the parameters I’ve set for myself with my phone, and how I’ve set myself up for success.
5 Reasons to Reduce Phone Usage:
Often, when things are out of balance, or we’re not in our usual routines and rhythms, it’s easy to fill the lack of structure and numb our feelings with screen time. This just makes things worse.
I find that when I have things I want to do on my phone - whether it’s an audiobook, podcast, course, project, etc. - then it is easy for me to come up with lots of excuses for the kids to keep playing, not involve them in helping out around the house, or for me to step away and finding ways to spend less time with them. These are great resources, but I want a break from the pull to step away.
When I did my yearly review, I was surprised by the stories I was telling myself vs. reality. I was shocked at how much we did with family experiences and relationship-building with our family and people close to home. I want to be more aware and let reality count.
I’ve been on my devices a lot more the last quarter with business and Christmas prep, which then turns to wasting time because our phones are masters at rabbit holes. I’ve gone down great rabbit holes I’ve learned a lot from, BUT it was still many hours on a screen and disengaged. I want to course correct and be more engaged at home.
I want to give more attention to intentional rhythms with my younger kids specifically, which means firmer boundaries around screens for all of us.
How I Set My Phone Up To Be…Just a Phone!
I deleted all the apps off the home screen on my phone except for phone, text, calendar, and camera.
I deleted and disabled Google Discover and Search, so I have zero ability to check email or look things up.
I put my phone in greyscale mode. It looks horrible and makes it very unappealing to use for much besides phone calls.
I got a flashlight to replace using my phone as a flashlight at night and in the early morning hours. I can’t get sidetracked with it if it isn't in my hand.
I got a pocket-sized notebook to carry around with a pen. I’ve replaced grabbing my phone with grabbing a notebook to write down a note or to-do item.
How to Handle Negative Attitudes with your Children [Episode 282]
How To Actually Do a Morning Routine with Babies and Toddlers That Wake Up Early [Episode 281]
How I prepped my family to be gone for a week by myself [Episode 280]
How to Do a Summer Review to Effectively Transition into Fall With Clarity and Peace [Episode 279]
Transitioning Back Into Family Routines After Summer [Episode 278]
My Morning Routine [Episode 277]
Living a Minimalist and Faith-Filled Life With Dawn Madsen from Minimal Mom [Episode 276]
Our Family Zone System To Keep Our Home Tidy [Episode 275]
My Favorite Books To Get Excited About Homeschooling in the Elementary Years [Episode 274]
The Ultimate Guide To Family Road Trips [Episode 273]
Why Your Kids Need to See You Win with Gabe Cox [Episode 272]
Why You Might Be Holding Onto Stuff [Episode 271]
How We Can Cultivate a Growth Mindset in Motherhood with Kate House [Episode 270]
The Power of a Risk List [Episode 269]
5 Steps to Prepare For Survival Mode [Episode 268]
Our Family Priorities This Summer [Episode 267]
How I Teach My Kids About Habits [Episode 266]
Easy Car Organization On A Budget [Episode 265]
10 Essential Principles for Creating a Fun and Productive Summer Schedule with Kids! [Episode 264]
Scripture Memory Box [Episode 263]
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