Technology certainly makes life convenient. If you want to find out about anything, you search the web. If part of your family lives across the country you Facetime and it’s like you are there. And, if you want to transfer money, just one click on your smartphone, tablet or computer completes the task. While having access to this type of technology certainly helps it may also contribute to a disconnect within your family.
Missing Out on Life
Not too long ago, when you went on vacation or left the office for the weekend, you left the world behind. Today, however, it seems like downtime is a rarity. If it’s not an email from the office on a Saturday it’s your addiction to social media. This constantly being in touch with the world is taking away from quality time with your family. Birthday parties, the first school dance and graduations are all important days that you should remember first-hand from playing an active role. Keep the memories of these days alive by turning a photo to painting and proudly display it on your wall.
Incorporate a Tech-Free Day
As technology continues to advance and more people rely on their smartphones for everything, it’s important to remember everything that matters to you. Take one day a week and dedicate it as a tech-free day wherein your phone is just a phone and only used to place a call for a meal or an emergency.
Use the day to get back in touch with your family. Take a long walk and breathe in the fresh air. Rent bikes or surfboards and enjoy quality time. On this day cameras are something you allow and the pictures you take will have a special meaning since you were there physically and mentally. You can even have fun with them and create pop art portraits, a constant reminder of a good outing.
Going Forward
It isn’t hard for someone to become hooked on technology. Many people enjoy social media because they can keep in touch with family and friends without the need for calling. But is this something you need to do all day long? Going forward, make a commitment to yourself and your family that time on electronics is now limited. This will free up time to spend enjoying a meal together without a phone in hand, or a board game, a newly released movie or simply for catching up on the week’s events.
Benefits of Limiting Technology
The biggest benefit of putting away your iPad, tablet or smartphone is free time for living. You don’t realize how much time you spend on social media or playing games. Before you know it, you look up and it’s 2 hours later. Limiting technology will give you time to relax and unwind and cuddle with children. Kids grow up quickly and missing precious moments is something you will regret. Limiting your usage will put you back in the loop, instead of on the outside looking in. ย
Taking a pause from electronics frees up time for those that matter the most to you, your spouse and your children. When you turn off your devices you now have time on your hands for the little things that make other people happy. Enjoy a fun weekend together, a family game night, take a long walk or a bike ride and then surprise loved ones with a framed photo of the fun times together.
