Whether it’s you or your kids, there’s no denying how increased screen time is turning us all into tech zombies as we gaze at our smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktops, televisions, video games, and smart gadgets from daybreak to bedtime. It’s important to take back our time and engage more in our everyday lives rather than wasting it on swiping endlessly through social media and apps. If you’re looking for ways to avoid the “Thumb cramps” and staring at screens more than you should be, here are a few ways you can cut back on screen time and get back to feeling human again.
Make a Schedule
Yes, you read that correctly. If your family’s screen time has reached the point where there needs to be a serious intervention, make a schedule. Allot certain times throughout the day when screen time is allowed. For times when it’s not, have an area where everyone needs to place his or her devices. It’s simple and keeps everyone accountable.
No TV during Dinner
Try to avoid having the TV on during your meals. It helps to reduce distractions and keeps you focused on what you’re eating and who you’re eating with. So that means you get to actually taste your food and spend quality time with loved ones. This is a chance to talk about your day at school/work, recap the latest Keswick Karate class, and enjoy each other’s company.
Make it into a Game
Compete against each other, make incentives and make it fun. Whoever can avoid “plugging in” wins! Sometimes simple motivations can make all the difference. And while you’re at it, why not introduce some new games. During “screen-free” allotted days or times, form new hobbies, pick up a book, or throw down a board game. These are the thing we all used to love to do before modern technology took hold.
Use Technology as Discipline
If you really can’t seem to focus on tasks, or you’re hearing voices that tell you your time is better spent beating that next level of Candy Crush instead of working on your project, use technology as your discipline. There are some great apps that can keep you on track and limit your screen time. Check out Screen Time or DinnerTime – two great apps that can help you out.
Start a Physical Activity
Another great way to get us un-plugged is to take that tech-time to try a new activity or sport! A number of parents use Keswick Karate and Keswick BJJ for that very reason. Sports can offer them a fun and exciting environment that easily draws them away from the isolation of technology and places them on a social platform with other children of the same age. In karate we try very hard to have social integration while still fostering the child’s leadership abilities.
Distractions are all around us. The excess screen-time that we all are guilty of takes away from embracing and living in the moment. So stop letting life drift by while you get lost in the glowing screens of this tech age. Do what you can to limit you or you families’ time so that you can get back to spending more quality time on the things that matter. If you are looking to start a physical activity plese don’t hesitate to ask us how you can try Keswick Karate!
Keswick Karate
647-515-0179
Keswick.karate@gmial.com