navigation bar


Monday, April 14, 2014

Screen-Free Days


Every week we try to have a screen-free day. On these days we silence our phones and break away from our technology habits and routines. Our first few attempts were a challenge. Ten minutes in I'd already sent an email and browsed instagram. It was then that I realize how much we needed to break away from our screens, even if only for an hour.  We muddled through the first few attempts, asking, "Does listening to a podcast count as a screen since you have to access it on a phone?" or "What about reading a book on an e-reader?"* Now that we've successfully made it through a few screen-free days we barter and negotiate less and even look forward to the time to unwind!

So what have we learned? One recurring realization is how much we are able to fit into one day when we set aside technology. Without screens and digital distractions we find ourselves imagining, doing the hobbies and activities we love: cooking, crafting, hiking, walking, reading, making music, playing board games etc.  We are able to focus more in the moment and enjoy the journey instead of always looking to the destination when we can cross things off a list. We both enjoy our "screens" and will certainly continue to maintain many of our digital habits and routines. We will also continue to make screen-free days a part of our week. This is an intentional practice that continues to grow and develop. 

What do you like to do when you step away from the screen? Have any great ideas to share?

*We never did answer these questions. In the end we decided that the purpose was to break from the routine and do the things we feel we "never have time for."

1 comment:

Juliann in WA said...

Yes to the get more done but a screen filled night is fun too :)