Over the years technology has pretty much exploded. We’ve moved from personal computers being in every household to laptops being in every briefcase to smart phones and smart watches being attached to nearly every human in our culture. The convenience of these technological advancements however needs to be weighed against their always on function.
It seems we can’t ever get away. While driving our watches buzz with incoming text messages. Trying to read or study or work and our email bings us continuously. We go on vacation and since we carry our office phone in our pocket, we’re on call nearly all the time.
Today’s daily habit that we want to try out is the habit of finding time to go tech free. Now stop twitching and relax. I’m only talking an hour. And if that still gives you the jitters then you probably do have a serious problem! But in all seriousness it’s important to step away from your devices for a decent amount of time.
One really easy way to do this is no tech during meals. We do this in our house. Our phones either stay in our rooms or on the counter while we eat supper. No ringers are on. Watches are not checked. It’s just a way to not let the distractions of the tech world invade our supper time solace. Our normal practice is not even to have the television on during meals.
The issue with technology isn’t that tech is all evil. The problem is that tech so easily distracts us. It’s like the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil in the garden. Technology draws us away from God.
One of the main issues with surrounding ourselves with so much technology during every waking hour is that we try to become present everywhere. But we can’t be present everywhere. The more we strive to be present everywhere the more we truly are present nowhere.
Practical Ideas
- Use do not disturb mode. In this mode your phone will not alert you at all except those you mark as important or if someone calls you twice. This is a great way to not be awakened at night with alerts.
- Tech basket at supper time. Get a basket and have everyone put their devices in it before sitting down at the table. Then put the basket away from the table so it’s not distracting.
- No devices for 30 minutes before bed and after waking up. The rapidly moving pixels on our phones stimulate the mind. Scrolling social media while laying in bed could be the reason you’re having a hard time falling asleep. And jumping on your phone right away in the morning could be the reason you feel less than rested when you wake up.
There are many ways to go tech free. I’d love to hear your thoughts on what works for you. Hit me up or simply share your tips below.
