Technology can be a huge boost to productivity, but it can also be a drain. Let's be honest. Our devices take up a lot of our time. Consider how much of that screen time actually nurtures our goals and wellness? Then think about quality time with family and friends and how crucial those relationships are to keeping our work-life balance.
Unplugging work devices isn't enough. You need time together without tech!
Devices disconnect us from the people we are with
Have you ever found yourself checking your phone while lunching with a friend? It doesn’t make much sense, but we feel compelled to do it! Your smartphone is designed to continually capture your attention. How can we break this pattern? Acknowledging that urge is the first step to overcoming it.
My former assistant Tatiana, who grew up in Silicon Valley and the topic of her college research project was “Does technology bring us closer together or further apart?” Her findings? Technology brings us closer to people who are geographically far away, but disconnects us from people who are geographically nearby. So, the point is not to ban technology. Rather than making technology the enemy, we need to use it consciously and strategically, controlling when and where we use it (and when we don’t). Think of our devices as a power tool, and use them for their greatest power.
Synchronize with the People You Love
If you want to connect with friends, family, and any relaxation activity, the solution is to synchronize screen time...so you can enjoy quality time IRL (in real life). Agree upon set times when everyone will be on their devices and when you all agree to unplug and be present with each other.
For example, devices are fine after school and before dinner, but all phones go away for dinnertime.
You can implement the same concept with your friends and family. Meeting up for dinner and drinks? Agree to fight the impulse to do a google search when someone can’t remember the name of a movie in the middle of a discussion. Phones stay in your bags and off the table. Synchronizing screen time creates the space for more meaningful connection.
Build your Tolerance for Being Present
If you're struggling to break your screen habit, it can help to plan a few activities where devices must be packed away, such as swimming, painting, or gardening. You’ll find the discomfort doesn’t last too long–after just a few minutes of feeling lost without your phone, your brain and focus kick into gear and get fully absorbed in the activity. Once you remember the joys of being fully present, you’ll be motivated to practice presence with the people in your life, too.
For better quality of life and relationships, break your screen addiction. Synchronize screen time with your family and friends to ensure everyone is truly present in the real world. By treating technology as a tool to be used strategically, rather than an appendage you can’t be away from, you can make the most of the time you have.