We live in a world filled with technology. I work all day at a computer, check my phone constantly and unwind with TV at the end of a day. It almost scares me to add up the amount of hours I spend staring at a screen. So in an effort to give myself (and my eyes) a little bit of a break I have been trying to spend some time technology-free. It has been my intention to spend a couple of hours each day without my phone or computer, and the TV off. There are four things that I do throughout the day that have become part of my routine. These four habits not only provide a technology detox, but they also help me slow down and be more present.

Get Some Fresh Air

My favorite thing to do in the morning is to grab my cup of tea or a latte and go sit outside. I do this pretty much every morning, no matter what type of weather. The number of blankets might change, but I love being in the morning air. I like to wake up pretty early, sometimes just before sunrise and enjoy a few moments of quiet before the rest of the neighborhood starts stirring. In the past couple of weeks Brian and I have been working on our back patio garden. It’s amazing how much joy seeing these beautiful flowers gives me. I spend as much time as I can out there each morning without my phone, just easing into the day.

Gratitude Journal

I haven’t been as disciplined as I would like to be lately when it comes to writing in my journal. But I do always notice a difference in my day when I start out by focusing on what I am grateful for. It definitely helps to put things in perspective. Before I hop onto social media or spend too much time on my phone, I think it is important to be grateful. I also like to write down my goals – short-term things that I am working towards. It helps keep me focused.

Take Time To Relax

Whether it’s a long shower or a hot bath at the end of the day, it’s so nice to relax. A good bath is a luxury that I don’t enjoy often enough. But I was recently gifted these bath rocks which makes it really easy to want to enjoy a bath at the end of the day. Even if you don’t have the time, find something that helps you unwind. Maybe it’s curling up to read a few pages of a book (a real book). Anything that doesn’t involve TV or your phone.

Unplug

Try to set a time in the evening to power down. I know when I start my night-time routine that it’s time to put away my phone and computer. I have a slightly long and indulgent skin-care routine but it’s something I look forward to at the end of the day. I plug my phone in to charge on the dresser and then try not to look at it again. I take my time going through my night-time routine and by the final step I am ready for bed. I have found that by not looking at a blue screen right before bed, I fall asleep much faster.

Technology is a wonderful thing, but it is also important to have some balance. I am curious what are some ways you try to limit your time staring at a screen? xo Bryn