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.
Three Small Changes and One Tool That will Help you See Progress and Get Rid of the Overwhelm [Episode 82]
The Path from Surviving to Thriving [Episode 81]
Why My Kids Aren't the Priority [Episode 80]
How to Overcome Destructive Anger with Natalie Hixson [Episode 79]
Surrendering Our Children to God with Jeanette Tapley [Episode 78]
Rest is Part of the Work [Episode 77]
You Have Climbed Mountains [Episode 76]
How I Go on Vacation Every Day [Episode 75]
Learning to See the Value in Your Own Story and That You are Extraordinary with Jessica Dahlquist [Episode 74]
Where to Start When You Feel Overwhelmed by Your Messy House [Episode 73]
Finding Joy in the Truths of Motherhood with Valerie Woerner [Episode 72]
Where to Start When You Feel Overwhelmed with Exercising [Episode 71]
Instilling Courage and Confidence in our Girls with Amy Klein [Episode 70]
Priorities for My Parenting and Marriage When I'm in Survival Mode [Episode 69]
Living a Slow, Intentional Life with Brandi McIntosh [Episode 68]
In Pursuit of Peace with Lauresa Larson [Episode 67]
Key Questions to Ask in the Evening [Episode 66]
Using Your Gifts to Bless Your Family and the World with Erin Morley [Episode 65]
Finding a Thriving Mindset in Survival Circumstances [Episode 64]
Finding Your Purpose with Kristin Brown [Episode 63]
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