Technology has some pretty wonderful benefits. It's become woven into almost every aspect of our lives. But, our world is becoming attached to it. We check our phones countless times a day.
A survey of 1,000 Americans ages 18 and over discovered that on average, people spend 2 hours and 54 minutes of each day on their phones (Wheelright 2022). And all of that screen time can become emotionally draining.
Unplugging from our phones when we need to helps remove feelings of jealousy, loneliness, and anxiety. We all know that people only share their best days, best photographs, and pictures that make their weekend look amazing on social media. But, this isn’t a genuine representation of anyone’s life. And the countless stream of these images can make us feel like we’re missing out, or it can make us compare ourselves to others.
Most of us feel can feel overwhelmed by technology and social media from time to time, so it’s important to find a way to engage with it in a way that works for you.
Intentionally Unplug for a Portion of Each Day.
When we wake up, the first thing many of us do is check our phones. See what it’s like to wait even half an hour in the morning before seeing who texted or scrolling social media apps. Set intentions for your day, or relax with a cup of coffee. This can help start the day with a calmer mind.
Or, maybe the last half an hour of the day works better for you. Lots of us scroll through our phones before going to sleep, and it often keeps us awake. Putting them away before bed can allow us to relax and see improvements in a night’s rest.
Take Social Media Breaks.
Social media has its benefits. It allows us to connect with others, share our experiences, and express creativity. But in the grand scheme of life, social media has little value. It really doesn’t matter! And, it can be exhausting to search for validation through likes.
Try to take a break from all social media, even for a few days, a week, or two weeks. It’ll all still be there when you get back. But, you’ll see that the time spent mindlessly on your phone will go down, and maybe even your levels of stress.
Set Up Your Phone in a way that Works for you and your Happiness.
Clear out some apps, or turn your notifications off when you’re engaged with schoolwork or spending quality time with your friends. Remember that real life, the stuff that matters, is happening in front of you and not on your screen.
References
Wheelwright, T., Wheelwright, T., Buchi, C., Buchi, C., Smith, E., & Smith, E. (2022, January 24). 2022 Cell Phone Usage Statistics: How Obsessed Are We? Reviews.Org. https://www.reviews.org/mobile/cell-phone-addiction/