Our devices are wonderful for transporting our minds anywhere in the universe.
You could be standing on a cramped subway train but instead enjoying fantasies of living on a deserted island. Or eating alone, on yet another overnight trip for work, but instead conversing with your significant other. Or bored waiting for that friend who is always late but instead fighting medieval dragons.
The oh-so-common flip side to this means technology leaves us distracted from the present.
You could be surrounded by friends but distracted by digital acquaintances. Or in beautiful natural surroundings but smitten by an Instagram beach. Or missing a shared joke but lol-ing at the latest meme.
To live well with technology, recognising when to unplug and enjoy our physical situation is important.
Take inspiration from these ideas to unplug, reduce your screen time and be in the moment.
Allocate just one day in the week for zero screen time. Make this day precious. A day without devices is a great opportunity to enjoy nature, hang out with friends and family or work on creative endeavours.
With so many of us reliant on technology to do our jobs no screen days during the working week may be tricky. If so, consider ‘Screenless Saturdays’ or 'Screenless Sundays’.
Remember: prior preparation prevents p*** poor performance.
Make proper plans before your no screen days so you won’t be tempted to reach for a device to research plans on the actual day. If you’ve made plans to meet people, have everything confirmed and transport arrangements and timings worked out the day before. Just like they used to do it.
We’ve become so accustomed to being entertained whilst eating. We’ll scan social media or have the television rolling in the corner. Enjoy your meal without a screen nearby and instead be mindful of your meal – what do you taste and smell, how is the texture, where did the food come from?
Having dinner with friends and family? Try the phone stacking game. Collect everyone’s smartphones and stack them in the middle of the table. No matter what notifications, messages or calls are received, the person who reaches for their phone first has to pay the bill. It’s a great incentive to not view your smartphone and connect more deeply with the people sharing your table.
A couple hours in the morning without a screen is a great way to start any day calm and focussed. Try avoiding any screen between the time you wake up and when you get into the office. Read a book, study a language, or just take in your surroundings during your commute.
We hope these strategies have inspired you to incorporate no screen time into your day-to-day activities.
Today's article was written by Fraser Deans. Fraser is a Digital Product Designer and founder of The Wholesome Technology Company, focused on practicing and spreading ideas for living well with technology.
Ho ho ho! You're almost subscribed, please check your inbox for a confirmation email.