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.
An Introduction to The 5 Step Path From Surviving to Thriving [Episode 262]
Surviving Burnout: One Tip for Busy Moms to Cope with Overwhelming Seasons [Episode 261]
Bringing Truth, Goodness, and Beauty into Our Days: A Conversation with Autumn Kern from The Commonplace [Episode 260]
Our Favorite Homeschooling Curriculum for 2023: PreK, 1st Grade, 3rd Grade [Episode 259]
The Story Behind the Thriving in Motherhood Planner [Episode 258]
How to Design Your Homeschool Space [Episode 257]
Making 1% Better Changes instead of setting big goals | Atomic Habits [Episode 256]
What to Do When You Feel Stuck [Episode 255]
The Three Levels of Overwhelm in Motherhood [Episode 254]
What to do when you survived your goal but are miserable along the way [Episode 253]
How I Involve Kids in Cleaning Our Home [Episode 252]
How to Use Your Word For The Year [Episode 251]
How to Use Your Planner in Different Seasons of Motherhood [Episode 250]
Why You Don't Need to Feel Pressure to Complete Your Goals [Episode 249]
The Evolution and Joy of Rest and Read Time [Episode 248]
What Really Matters When It Comes to Parenting? [Episode 247]
The Power of Baby Steps with Soaring Mothers Society Members [Episode 246]
2022 Year in Review [Episode 245]
Bored, Busy but not Fulfilled, or Bummed by not Making Progress - What to do About It [Episode 244]
The Big Picture Of What It Actually Takes to Have a Home That Supports You [Episode 243]
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Schoolhouse Rocked: The Homeschool Revolution
Dr. Laura Call of the Day
Focus on the Family with Jim Daly
Frankenstein
A Tale of Two Cities
Parenting & You With Dr. Shefali
Calm Parenting Podcast