In 2017, our lives are ruled by screens—laptops, smartphones, TVs, and tablets to name a few. With today’s technology, our attention is constantly being pulled in different directions. Social media pulls us in with its warped sense of reality with “friends” and “followers.” Meanwhile, businesses use screens to reel us in with their countless updates (raise your hand if you watched the latest Apple announcement). For many, these screens have polluted our ability to focus—our attention is no longer something we can control.
As the years pass by, technology will only continue to grow, and more likely than not, continue to consume our attention. That is why it is important to take some time away. Try regaining your independence back from glowing screens before the technology becomes more consuming. You may not think you are addicted to your phone, but the truth is most of us are whether we want to believe it or not.
Do you constantly have your phone out during class? Leave it in your backpack for a class period or two. Do you scroll through social media while sitting at the family dinner table? Turn off your phone before sitting down (and suggest that your family and friends do too).
PHOTO: Valerie Cammack
Unplug. The lack of interruption from notifications might lead to some interesting results. Let yourself unwind and have some time with your thoughts, friends, and family. Disconnect, even just for a few hours.
Screens create a lot of distractions. Allow yourself some time to focus. Perhaps there is a book you have been wanting to read, or maybe you want to try a new hobby. Write. Paint. Dance. Create. Learn a new language or pick up an instrument. Unplugging from technology opens a world of creativity that we often forget.
Our dependence on our glowing screens has reached heights like never before, so powering down every once in a while may seem daunting. However, in the end, it is so worth it.
Have you ever gone on a technology break? What was it like? Let us know in the comments below!
Featured photo by Maddy Haller.
