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.
Letting Go of Control with Hannah Brown [Episode 221]
5 Tips For a Successful Homeschool Experience [Episode 220]
Embracing an Ordinary Life with Megan Dilworth [Episode 219]
Starting a Prayer Journal [Episode 218]
Nurturing and Defending Family Relationships with Greta Eskridge [Episode 217]
The 5 Step Path From Surviving to Thriving after the Pandemic with the Minimalist Moms Meetup [Episode 216]
The Secret To Consistent Exercise as a Busy Mom [Episode 215]
5 Steps to Create a Family Summer Camp Everyone Loves [Episode 214]
Embracing Faith and Grief with the Loss of a Child with Mandy Ashton [Episode 213]
What to Focus on In Re-Entry to get from Surviving to Thriving [Episode 212]
Stop Dieting & Build Trust with Your Body with Victoria Yates [Episode 211]
7 Lessons I Learned in This Season of Survival Mode [Episode 210]
How Getting Feedback From Your Kids Will Transform Your Family with Kimberly Amici [Episode 209]
8 Tips For When your Husband is Traveling [Episode 208]
Finding deeper Connection, Satisfaction and Love in your Marriage with Joslyn Hillam [Episode 207]
How To Approach Hard Days When You Are Totally Exhausted [Episode 206]
Two Simple Ways to Create an Atmosphere of Love in the Home [Episode 205]
The Power of Hymns in Everyday Life [Episode 204]
How I Started Being Able To Think Clearly Again [Episode 203]
The Unexpected Results of a 30 Technology Fast with Phoebe Cook [Episode 202]
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Dr. Laura Call of the Day
Focus on the Family with Jim Daly
Parenting & You With Dr. Shefali
The Art of War
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Calm Parenting Podcast
Good Inside with Dr. Becky