Your Holidays…Tech free?
As we draw near to Christmas and the holidays season coming to an end, I wanted to share some things I have been doing to spend less time on my ‘devices’ (laptop, streaming, phone). Now, let me be clear, I love my technology, and it’s super hard to set them down, but I always think about how I am missing out on time with loved ones when I am lured in by texts, emails, or work commitments. I love my clients, and I want to always be available for them. but I try to set appropriate boundaries, too. Here are some tips for cutting down on your screen time:
-Decide upon times when you will dedicate time to check your phone: I like to read the news or headlines in the morning and catch up on emails, so it makes sense that mornings would be one of my “check in” times. Looking at my phone midday and in the evenings gives me chances to catch anything I may have missed, without being tethered to my phone. I also can wear a smart watch to glance at texts and decide when I need to answer them.
-Schedule a day or more when you do not reply to emails: When someone reaches out to me, I let them know when I am unable to answer, such as, “I don’t answer emails on Tuesdays, but please look forward to an email from me on Wednesday!” This helps me stay ultra productive on the days when I do need to return emails or inquiries, and also prevents me from letting anything fall through the cracks.
-Keep your charger in a dedicated spot: Whether it’s my phone or laptop, I keep the charger in one spot in my house. This means, when it’s dead, I take a break from it, and plug it in. Rather than toting everything all over the house, I know exactly where they are, and when I need to charge them, I can walk away and accomplish something else.
-Wear headphones or air-pods: If I am wearing headphones, I am less likely to need to look at my phone. I can put audiobooks or podcasts or music on, and go about my day without staring at the phone. I can clean, organize, scout locations, edit images, and more. I like listening to books or things on audio, because I can multitask much easier.
-Blue light glasses: These are actually FOR screen time, but they really reduce my eye fatigue and headaches when I do need to answer a lot of emails or requests. I love how cute and stylish they are making them now, and since I am also home more than I used to be, I can wear them for zoom meetings or other technological appointments, as well. I love the tortoiseshell print. You can get some HERE.
-Lastly, prioritize your family and friends: Even though it’s tempting to respond to every text or note, I try really hard to put my phone down when I am with my family and friends. That way, they know that they are the most important thing in that moment! With the year we have had, our loved ones are even more important than ever. You could even leave your phone (locked and hidden) inside your car or handbag when you arrive, to reduce the temptation to check every notification!
