While the internet makes it quicker to find a recipe or driving directions, it can also ruin your life. My partner and I just watched the Netflix documentary “The Social Dilemma” this week. Now I knew I was online a lot, but I really didn’t know the depth of my addiction nor did I realize the manipulation Big Tech really had on me. After watching this I looked around me. I looked at my actions and others. Do you have an Online Addiction? Checking emails, scrolling through Facebook updates, jumping from LinkedIn, then to Instagram and to Pinterest and twitter. You might even find yourself on Youtube, SnapChat, FlipBoard, etc.
It’s time to take our lives back. It’s time to look inward, reflect on who we are authentically and live life with Livelihood Spirit Balance where how we live our life is in alignment with who we are at the core, our authentic self.
Imagine what you could accomplish, how successful you could be by breaking your addiction. Try these suggestions to help you disconnect and get more out of life.
Benefits of Spending More Time Offline
1. Experience more joy. Studies show that Facebook intensifies our natural tendencies to make social comparisons that leave us feeling like we’re missing out. When you focus on your own achievements, you’ll have less time to envy your friend’s exotic vacations or job promotions.
2. Boost your confidence. How much time do you spend editing your selfies? Learn to love the image you see in the mirror, even on bad hair days.
3. Strengthen your relationships. Research has also found that online contacts differ from real world communications. Face-to-face interactions create more intimacy and trust. Having a few people who are willing to help you move into your new place beats having a thousand Facebook friends you barely know.
4. Know your own mind. It’s easy to get caught up collecting friends and fans. It’s more satisfying to be authentic and express your true feelings. Be willing to take an unpopular position if it means standing up for your values.
5. Communicate more tactfully. Anonymous comments often sound harsher than private conversations. Chatting with your friends over coffee or tea will make your speech gentler.
6. Get better rest. Brightly lit screens and information overload are causing widespread sleep deprivation. Enhance the quality of your sleep by turning off your devices and focusing on truly resting.
7. Become more productive. Reduce the distractions in your life. Clean out your garage instead of reading all the political bashing, about the latest celebrity divorce or newest reality TV show.
How to Spend More Time Offline
1. Set a curfew. Start by shutting off electronics a couple of hours before bed. You’ll fall asleep faster and wake up feeling more refreshed.
2. Enlist support. Let your family, friends, and coworkers know you’ll be online less.
3. Serve as a role model for your kids. Encourage your children to use technology more constructively. They’ll learn from your example. Wait until dinner is over to check your email. Stay off the phone while you’re driving.
4. Ban the worst offender sites. Are there a few sites that eat up most of your time? Maybe you need to suspend your Reddit account, deactivate your Facebook page, or remove the Pinterest app.
5. Time yourself. Decide in advance how long you’ll spend at the computer and stick to that schedule. Push yourself away when the hour is up.
6. Schedule weekly dates. While practicing any social distancing laws, fill your free time with regular appointments for getting together with friends. Host a Friday night poker game, a Saturday night potluck dinner, or a Sunday morning brunch.
7. Switch to phone calls and visits. Pick up the phone instead of sending an email. Plan a trip to see your parents if you’ve all been in quarantine for a few weeks instead of relying on Skype and Zoom.
8. Go outside. Outdoor activities will help you forget about your smartphone for a while. Take your children for a hike in the nearest state park. Pack a picnic lunch. Sketch the scenery instead of taking photos.
· Maybe even join me for a Nature Immersion or upcoming Forest Therapy Session. Check out my upcoming events or schedule a private session! http://totalconvalescence.com/
9. Exercise regularly. Exercise can take your mind off technology. Visit a yoga studio each morning or sign up for Cross Fit classes after work.
10. Reward yourself. Reinforce your new habits by congratulating yourself on your progress. Buy yourself something that adds joy to your life or simply cook your favorite meal.
Take a break from your browser and explore the world firsthand. Your children grow up quickly, but those cat videos will still be there when you get back.
Love & Light
Dawn-Marie
Your Stress Management Maven &
Nature Goddess Guide