I think we are all on the same page in thinking that we all have a little bit of a problem with screen addiction.
As a freelancer, social media is part and parcel of my job, meaning I personally find it incredibly difficult to switch off and be screen-free.
Sometimes I fear my phone should be surgically removed from my hand. It is an addiction. If my phone is beside me I will check it, literally out of pure habit.
When I heard of some people doing screen-free zones in their homes I was intrigued. Were they mad? Could I possibly do the same?
What is a screen-free zone?
A screen-free zone is a space in your home where you do not allow screens. It can be the bedroom, the kitchen or even the living room.
How it does it work?
It sets some well-needed boundaries between you and your device. It breaks the habit of being dependent on a small little screen for most of your waking hours.
It also allows you to be in the moment - whether that is practising some uninterrupted self-care or having some quality time with your family or your partner. It allows you to focus on what you are doing and nothing else. As the saying goes, “out of sight, out of mind”.
It sets a good example.
If you have children, you can be sure they are watching you on your phone. By having set places and times when you check your phone, as well as completely screen-free zones, it shows them that it is healthy to have boundaries when it comes to screens and social media.
Buy an alarm clock.
One thing most of us are guilty of is using our phone as our alarm clock. That should be your first goal- buy an alarm clock and make your bedroom a screen-free zone. If you need help falling asleep, read.
You will have a calmer mind, better sleep and also the joy in knowing you haven’t wasted time scrolling on your phone before bed or as soon as you wake up.
It strengthens relationships.
Whether it is a phone ban on your girly catch-up dinners or a screen ban in the evenings whilst sitting with your partner, you can be sure that without the distraction of your phone, your attention will be in the moment and being present with who you are with.