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 Navigate the Library with Young Children [Episode 160]
The Power of Small Steps with Emily McDermott [Episode 159]
If You Have Faith There Is a Way with Jacquie Erickson [Episode 158]
How to Build Family Systems Even if You Think "I'm not a Structured Person" [Episode 157]
How to Have a Successful Shopping Trip with Your Kids [Episode 156]
Episode 155: Everything Happens for a Reason with Leila Mireskandari
Fun Mom vs Smile Mom [Episode 154]
From Surviving to Thriving to Soaring [Episode 153]
The Daily Big Three [Episode 152]
Finding Your Thing with Rachel Miller [Episode 151]
Routines Help Me Live in Alignment With Who I Am Every Day with Ashley Brown [Episode 150]
The One Thing I Needed to Start Loving My Home [Episode 149]
How to Start Something New with Madeline Casey [Episode 148]
How to Make Space to Figure Out What is Important to You with Madeline Casey [Episode 147]
How to Live in the Present with Madeline Casey [Episode 146]
Choose Your Priorities or Someone Else Will with Madeline Casey [Episode 145]
Protect the Asset with Madeline Casey [Episode 144]
Our Visions for 2021 [Episode 143]
How Adding Color Creates Clarity in Planning with Pamela Moose [Episode 142]
The Power of your Choices [Episode 141]
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