Setting Boundaries With Technology
By Donna Stark
I bet you turn your stove off when you are finished with cooking. I am sure you turn off the shower when you're all nice and clean, too. So why don't you do the same with your phone? When you are done using it, why don't you turn it off? There are plenty of excuses to keep it on and some of them are worthy, but the hidden danger is that many people are starting to forget what a healthy balance between their everyday life and their everyday tech use should look like. Think you could use some more of that balance in your life? Take a look at the following tips that can help you unplug from your phone and find what you are looking for.
Turn off Your Notifications
Turning off those chimes, beeps, and cricket sounds can help you pay more attention to what's in front of you and less attention to what is in your pocket. But don't panic! I'm not suggesting you ignore them altogether, just set a specific amount of time during each hour to take a look at them. Once you find a system that works for you, you may surprise yourself by how less distracted you are during the day!
Avoid Work After Work
It's important to your personal and family life to keep your work at work, so stop checking your work emails and texts once you get home. Instead, do something positive for your well-being. The time that is available for you to take care of yourself and your relationships is fleeting, and those emails can probably wait, don't you think?
Be Present
Have you ever felt invisible as you walk into a room because nobody looks up from their phone? Do you find yourself exhibiting the same behavior with others? If so, don't worry ... it's an easy fix! Just be more intentional about putting your phone down or taking your earbuds out to engage in an actual conversation. A simple "Hello, how are you doing?" can go a long way with making connections with others.
Stop Scrolling
Let's face it, social media can steal hours of our time if we allow it, so stop scrolling and put your phone away! Make an active effort to look up and engage in the world around you. Take the time to appreciate what is directly in front of you instead of dreaming about what is trapped in your phone.
Finding the Balance
By following the tips above, you may be able to get that healthy balance back between your personal life and your tech life which will definitely have an impact on your quality of life! So start today and set those boundaries! You won't regret it one bit!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Sunset Hills, Mo.