The phone phenomenon…
People have probably been distracted by so many things in different generations for decades no doubt but have you recently noticed that almost every head is buried in phones?
It’s like a magnetic force that’s got its grip on the minds of people, both young and old.
You see spouses struggle to get the attention of their significant others, children fight for the attention of their parents, friends trying hard to have a conversation among themselves, couples on dates finding it difficult to hold up a continuous flow of conversation without any distraction and even nature’s beauty begging humanity to take a look.
Technology is a great invention no doubt and the advantage of being able to connect with friends at any point in time regardless of wherever they are in the world in itself, is mind blowing but how do we strike a balance so its use is not taken to the extreme?…
Related: Social Media And Your Mental Health
How does your relationship with your own iPhone or android or any smart phone at that, affect your relationship with you and your spouse, family or friends?
I say ” with you” because our phones are a distraction to us personally which sometimes affect our schedules and stops or delay us from doing the things we know are important.
The time we spend on social media is a good example.
You get on it and before you realize it, time is far spent, you haven’t done those things you had planned to do, and you begin to procrastinate on when the next best time to accomplish that task is going to be.
Yes, excessive social media use is that good of a “time stealer” or “time thief”.
So how do you contain this monster so it doesn’t take away the enjoyment of the most precious and best moments of your life?
1. Put away your phone at family gatherings
Family is everything for those that know it’s worth and the time spent with them is worth every bit. Any other thing at the gathering can surely wait. It’s all about your priority. Put down that phone and engage with others. Be in the moment and try to enjoy it.
2. Respect your family and friends if you are out with them
By not getting distracted by every single buzz from your phone, it shows you respect their time and value their fellowship with you.
3. Put the phone in its place, just like any other gadget
Is your phone more precious than things you should really care about?-like your own get away or mental self care.
Letting your phone take you over means you are choosing something inanimate over your life and the health of your relationships and that’s not what you want. Be above it, don’t let it be above you.
4. Restrain your appetite for your phone
Don’t let your phone use be an addiction. Your phone becomes an addiction when you feel you can’t do without it or you feel something pretty bad would happen to you if you are away from it for a short period of time.
This could actually lead to anxiety and anxiety could only bring you negative feelings.
Related: 10 Practicals Ways To Overcome Anxiety
5. Addiction
If you are already addicted, cut off from your phone addiction by setting time limits on the time you spend scrolling through your phone especially when done for hours without any meaningful output.
Be responsible with time management when it comes to the use of your phone.
Related: 3 Ways To Increase Your Productivity
6. Put your phone away for no reason
Turn it off or put it on snooze especially at bed time and if you expect important calls, set it up to allow those calls only. Get that much needed sleep.
Have a social media fast if need be.
Related: How To Wake Up Everyday And Not Feel Tired
7. Visit people
Make it a habit of checking up on people and not just by text or call. Physical connection is key. You have facts you are told over the phone verifiable when you actually see them in person-by visiting.
8. No gadget time -out
Make it a rule in your house on what times to use the phone -especially spouses so you can make time for your kids and get some alone quality time with each other.
The amount of screen time for your kids should be monitored by setting boundaries.
Phones should also be put away at dinner times for effective family bonding and connection.
Related: Why Family Dinners Are Important
9. Be in control of your phone
Don’t let your phone control you.
You should be able to do just fine if you for instance, inadvertently left your phone at home. I know our phones have become so embedded in most of our lives that we can’t just imagine ourselves without it. But we should still be able to survive even if we don’t have it handy.
In such circumstances, your computer could be a great substitute if you are at work. And if you are going out real quick, you should be okay for those few minutes as well.
You could do a test to see how well you are doing with the use of your phone by leaving your phone behind just to see how much you can cope without it. It’s not as bad as you think, trust me, you will survive!
10. Stop looking down, look up!
Don’t miss out on great memories by looking down at your phone. Look up, life and its beauty is passing you by. Take a hold of it and enjoy all it has for you.
Disconnect from your phone to reconnect not just with nature but also with the people around you. Those in your life and around you would appreciate you for it.
Food For Thought
How are you going to improve on the use of your phone to give more room to the people you love and other things you enjoy?
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