You’ve probably been in a restaurant or cafe and noticed people, families even, sitting together but not talking because they are on their mobile devices. I don’t know about you but I find it very unsettling especially when kids are involved. It seems some people are more interested in what is going on everywhere else except where they are. I know it’s tempting, believe you me, I’m guilty too which is why I’m making a concerted effort to spend more time living in the present and enjoying the company of those I care about over the holidays.
- One step at a time – Don’t go cold turkey or you’ll risk device withdrawal! Start small. Turning off your phone at the dinner table is a great place to start.
- Tell everyone your plan online #HolidayMode – Tell your friends and followers that you’ll be unplugging and ask them to call you on it if they see you active on social media.
- Adjust your notification settings – Turn off push notifications on your devices and apps so you’re not tempted to check what’s going on.
- Switch into Auto Pilot – Set auto response notifications for texts and emails. Or better yet, switch it to airplane mode, that way your messages will be there when you’re ready to reconnect
- Out of sight out of mind – Stash your phone somewhere safe but in a hard place to reach. You’ll be less tempted to quickly scan your news feed.
During the holidays our devices can be a constant interruption, a source of stress and an excuse for not being in the moment. Unplugging allows us to be present when celebrating new and old traditions and building memories with friends and family.
- A TELUS survey this year found that Canadians are twice as likely to be on their phones around family and friends (82.6 per cent) than they are when at work (40.6 per cent)
- The holidays are an occasion to celebrate and spend time with those nearest and dearest and unplugging helps keep the focus on the human connections.
I was compensated for this post but the opinions, as usual, are my own.
Photo credit to https://www.flickr.com/photos/artotemsco/
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