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 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]
What to Do When You Feel Like You Aren't Making Progress [Episode 242]
Building My Second Brain [Episode 241]
My 12 Favorite Books I Read In 2022 [Episode 240]
Lessons and Questions from Mothering with Chronic Pain [Episode 239]
How to Get Support From Your Husband with Your Projects and Goals [Episode 238]
How to Find Fulfillment In Your Everyday Life [Episode 237]
Becoming the Parent You Want to Be with Emily Hamblin [Episode 236]
What Our Family Scripture Study Looks Like Every Day [Episode 235]
How to Use a Big 5 For a Smoother Morning [Episode 234]
Why I Don't Manage My Time To Get Things Done - and What I Do Instead [Episode 233]
The Miracles Behind the 2022 Soaring Mothers Summit [Episode 232]
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Wild Interest
Schoolhouse Rocked: The Homeschool Revolution
Dr. Laura Call of the Day
The War of the Worlds
The Story of Mankind
Focus on the Family with Jim Daly
Raising Parents with Emily Oster
Calm Parenting Podcast