Hello Everyone,
Have you ever gone to a restaurant and looked around at the other tables and see everyone on their phones. They aren’t really talking to each other just focused on their screens in front of them. It seems like everywhere we look now, that is the new normal. I’ll admit that I am just as guilty of that as the next person. It’s almost like muscle memory to grab your phone after so many minutes. Go ahead, count how many times you have picked up your phone today and scrolled through social media.
Don’t get me wrong, technology is an amazing thing especially during this pandemic. We have been able to stay in touch with loved ones, watch our kids learn virtually, and have fun zoom meetings with co workers. Technology is a beautiful thing, but it can become something that causes distraction and raise anxiety thats causes depression. We are trying to keep up with everyone and everything we see through a well edited photo. Trying to see how many likes we can get. Again, I admit that I have done that too, and I honestly hate that I have.
Social media isn’t a bad thing, but spending to much time on our phones is. I have even noticed how bored I have been just mindlessly scrolling through my phone. I miss my new born twins smiling at me, because I am focused on my screen in front of me and not them looking at me. I don’t want that to be what they see when they look at me. Mom on her screen and not paying attention to them. I came across this great organization called I AM WHOLE.
I AM WHOLE is a challenge to digitally detox for an entire day. Digital Detox Day raises awareness about the negative impact social media can have on our mental health, and helps people to form healthier relationships with their devices.
I loved this idea. With it being metal stimulation month through our self care program, I decided to challenge myself and go a whole day with out social media. Here are the results of my day.
I started the day off with breakfast knowing that this was the day. I worried if I would be able to do the challenge or not. I did my best to distract myself with work and other things and honestly it wasn’t a bad day. I did catch myself trying to open my Instagram app, because of muscle memory. It’s something we do without even knowing we do it. I was thankful that I noticed it and didn’t open it, but was oddly surprised at how many times I thought about opening the app with out even wanting too. Honestly the day was great. I didn’t miss it. I went on a walk with family, I cooked meals, I sat outside and enjoyed this great fall weather. It was good for me. I want to push myself more and see how many days in a row I can go with out being on my phone. I challenge you to do the same. Put your screen down for just a day and see what happens. Spend time with your family with out any technology. Make a rule that when you go out, there are no phones at dinner. Try it and let me know what your results are. Good luck and have a fantastic week.
Tiffany
Program Supervisor