The past week (or more), I have been on a forced Tech Timeout. I have been wanting to unplug from my computer, iPhone, and online devices to focus and plug-in to my family. Yet, I never fully took the leap.
Then all of a sudden, as if God was intervening for intervention… my iPhone began to have a glitch just 2 weeks ago. It would suddenly shut down as if the battery my phone was empty, even when fully charged. Weird.
I had no other choice but to take a forced technology time out during the day. Even though it did frustrate me… taking a step back, I now realize all the awesome stuff I was missing. I am thankful for the glitch my iPhone is giving me. Forcing me to have a Tech Timeout… forcing me to rekindle and plug in to what matters to me.
I found that when I wasn’t glued to my iPhone, I was more glued on my children. In a good way (not a helicopter mom, freaky way). I was able to see them… REALLY see them. Not just through a camera lens.
I was able to not worry about my social media reach, expectations, or online presence. Instead, I was able to bask in my children’s presence. Choosing to enjoy life, get wet, laugh, and make memories.
I was able to relax more. Knowing that I was not as important as I thought to those online… and more important to those in my real life. I was able to reconnect with my little people.
I encourage YOU to do a tech time out too. One hour a day. Unplug from your technical devices and plug in to your family. Explore and go on an adventure using the list I share above. I would love to hear about your weekly challenge of taking a tech time out.
No technology. One hour a day. For one week. Lasting memories and love.
Are you up for the challenge to take a Tech Timeout? Let me know in the comments below!
Disclosure: I was compensated for participating and sharing about my tech time out experience. All stories shared above are my own and I still would like my iPhone to be fixed. Please apple come out with the new product soon.
Julienne Parker says
I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. I noticed when I’m on my phone my son acts out more. It’s an addiction of mine that I can’t seem to shake. Seems every two minutes I’m checking to see if there is a new status update. Meanwhile my son is begging for my attention. So after I finish typing this, I am deleting my Facebook off my phone. Not entirely deleting Facebook, just off my phone. Oh, and BYE BYE Candy Crush.
Janice says
While studying for my exam last spring, I deleted some social media apps, and turned the notifications off on others. During that time I discovered that my social media friends pretty much only contacted me when they had problems that they needed help resolving – not many had even realised I had taken a break. At first I felt very hurt by this realisation, but slowly I began using my phone to connect more with IRL friends. Since then I’ve opened up a whole new world of fun activities and training buddies to myself, and I feel much better about myself. I am also no longer telling the kids to go play while I fix someone else’s problems – instead we’re enjoying fun, offline playdates. While tech can seem like the bad guy, it’s all about how we use technology – these days I use my phone as a planner for family activities and as a means to invite friends to run, bike, and swim with, and to coordinate fun play dates for the kids. Despite being less social on social media this summer, I’ve actually had the most social and fun summer in years! That said, it took a forced tech timeout for me to figure this all out.
I’m happy to hear that you’re enjoying your tech timeout, and I hope that it brings you new opportunities to connect with your family too!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says
I’ve unplugged for short periods of times, like 24 hours, and I really tried to unplug more during our vacation this summer. While I didn’t completely, I was off the computer and phone the majority of the time and like you said, it made me plug into those things that matter i.e. my kids. I’m so glad that I had that time to disconnect. I’m trying to carry that over now that we are home. Hard though.
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama says
It is so tough to unplug once you get sucked into the gadgets of your life. I was never attached to my phone the way I am since I’ve had an iphone. It’s like it’s sending little subliminal messages to LOOK AT ME! Definitely need to do something about it. Even if it’s an hour a day at first. Thanks for the reminder!
miz says
EVERY NIGHT as soon as husband walks in from the office—I UNPLUG
Pavement Runner says
Love it.