I have never been one for resolutions, because generally they don’t stick. One minute I’m promising myself that I won’t eat candy every day, the next I’m shoveling handfuls of peanut M&M’s down the hatch as fast as I can because they are downright delicious and we only live once… Am I right?
I am hoping that my will power will be stronger this year. I need it to be actually, because I need to get in control of my addiction. It is something that has been very embarrassing to admit. It has wreaked havoc on my family life, and sometimes I even try to hide how much I use it. You can find it in my pocket throughout the day and under my pillow at night. I never go far without it, and I feel anxiety creep up when it’s not around. I can’t last more than an hour before I need my next fix. Can you guess what it is? Am I hooked on cocaine? Am I an alcoholic? A smoker?
Nope. Just my good old, harmless smartphone. It started off as a helpful tool for my everyday life. My phone has become my trusted sidekick throughout the day and has given me the answers to all of life’s awkward and miscellaneous questions from Google searches. If I am being especially lazy I can even ask the question instead of writing it out… Will there be more Star Wars movies? What renovations will increase our home’s equity most? Did Kanye and Kim split? Where can I buy the cheapest pair of Bogs? I now know the answers to all of these questions, and more! So much more.
It also gives me the option of having a slight glimpse into the adult world that I no longer exist within, which in turn makes me somewhat feel better about watching 10 consecutive episodes of Paw Patrol, driving Tyrannosaurus Rex and Barbie’s around in dump trucks, and singing an entire book of Disney Princess songs out of tune to my oblivious preschooler. It is easy to feel isolated as a (current) stay at home mom of two. Having my phone nearby to answer any texts and calls that has come my way has given me solace during the worst tantrums and the loneliest of days.
I cannot doubt it’s usefulness: my kids childhood’s have been captured candidly with my phone as it is always on-hand. I can get all my clothes shopping done for the family without carting the kids around for a full day of errands. I can look up a phone number without picking up the phone book. I can search for a new recipe, fun craft or DIY project at the touch of a button. Complete and utter convenience. How can having a smart phone be a bad thing? Here’s how:
I instinctively search for my phone when I have a question, instead of trying to figure it out on my own. I no longer need to store information in my brain and therefore I do not absorb what I read. If I need to know it again, it can easily be looked silagra lowest price up at another time.
Looking at all of the grown up things that I don’t get to participate in and all the nice things that people have on social media kind of makes me appreciate the life I have less.
My daughter now watches me to make sure I am paying attention during our playing sessions instead of being on my phone. She is three and already feels a need to battle against a computer device for my attention.
I feel an instant gravitational pull towards my phone whenever I hear or feel the slightest ding or vibration, regardless of what I was in the middle of. I can’t help but check it as soon as possible.
My kids should get used to long car rides, busy malls and the personal interactions involved with going shopping, because that is a part of life. Not to mention how completely addicting online shopping is. Did I really just need to buy three of the same shirts online because they were such a great deal?
My husband and I feel like we are in completely different worlds, and yet we are sitting three couch cushions apart. In silence. Looking down into our phone and watching mindless videos about run-ins with bears and how-to projects that we will never accomplish (mostly because we are sitting on our couch, eating chips and watching said videos). We have lost our connection by being plugged in all the time.
The fact of the matter is, my smart phone has completely changed my life, and for the most part not for the better. I know I am not alone in this, either. According to this article by CBC News, around 35% of Canadians have become so reliant on mobile connectivity that they would rather get rid of their TV than part with their smartphone. In addition, 8/10 of us will not leave our homes without it.
I am not the only one that this technological advance has caused strains in our relationships and has dulled our senses to. I see it all around me, from the kids on their tablets out for dinner with family, to the multitudes of selfie sticks in the most popular tourist destinations. We are losing what is most important in our lives: By using our phones to connect, we are becoming disconnected with reality. For this reason, this resolution is not just for me. It’s for you too.
Less Phone, More Love
1. Make plans.
2. Leave phone at home or put on airplane mode.
3. Enjoy the experience for what it is.
Do you have what it takes to give up your smartphone for the day? Share your experiences with us by leaving a comment below! Good luck and Happy New Year, everyone!
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This is really great, you have no idea how much I have struggled with this as well. I also felt that it started when I was home with Oz after he was born, but not just trying to stay connected with a social life, but also because I was part of a network with other online moms and it was so helpful to talk about things and ask questions for every little issue and concern.
Thanks for stopping by Jenn! Smart phones pretty much make everything in life easier but there is a fine line between a helpful tool and an addiction that hinders real life interactions. I think that having an online network is very important to new mom’s, especially when we live in such a small town with not very many resources. I’m glad that you were able to find support online during that difficult transition.
This is such a great goal! I have a hard time being without my phone whenever I’m away from my family, but when we’re all together I am much better at leaving it in my purse for longer times.
Thanks Julie! It is super hard, especially for bloggers 🙂
I need to do this. I’m addicted. I was actually supposed to take a break today. But here I am on my phone…
Well, you’re not alone if that makes you feel any better! 😀 I’m trying to make a concerted effort to reduce phone time in the evenings when my hubby and I are together, so maybe you could focus on one specific time of day you find it hurts more than helps? Thanks for reading!
This is a tough one because this is the thing that makes waiting less dull. And since I work at home, it’s how I connect with the world, market myself, keep in touch with people around the globe. But I also want to draw and read more, so sometimes I put my phone in another room whilst I’m working.
Yes, in a lot of cases smart phones are the glue that hold life together nowadays. How did humanity ever survive before technology? I agree, putting the phone in another room can help you focus on another task. I sometimes “forget” to bring it downstairs in the mornings so I can focus more on parenting, but eventually I have to get it to check a message, look at my schedule or make a phone call. It’s frustrating how much I need to have my phone all the time!
I am absolutely an addict as well. It’s a serious addiction that I need to break, because my babies see me with my phone in my hand constantly. Why do I need to have it in my phone all day? What would happen if I put it away? Don’t my kids deserve my full attention? This post is so real and so thought provoking. Thank you <3
Wow. This article really hit home for me. I too am a complete addict, shamefully so. Especially when you are a blogger and trying to promote your blog you find yourself on it all the time. I got off Facebook for a while and that was great.
I am definitely going to try airplane mode!
BTW thanks for finding me on StumbleUpon. How do you like it? Is it a good way to promote your blog?
Hi Amina! Thanks for reading! I am still working on my addiction and completely agree that being a blogger does not help the situation. I am new to StumbleUpon and still have not quite figured it out yet. I had good results from it once, but I figure it was luck of the draw. I have heard that it tends to increase your bounce rate even if it increases page views, which is a definite negative. I find it interesting though and do enjoy “stumbling”. Glad I found your blog! <3
Menos mal que he encontrado esta información. Hacia mucho tiempo que llevaba buscandola. Muchas Gracias!!!