How to Be Mindful When It Comes to Technology
We often hear the words mindfulness and technology mentioned together but what exactly is mindful technology use, and how can one adhere to it?
When it comes to mindful technology use, it really just boils down to ensuring that you’re maintaining a healthy balance and paying attention to your own personal wellbeing. A lot of it has to do with establishing boundaries. This could involve setting time-outs and limits when it comes to spending time on technology and/or making non-negotiable rules about devices (ex. no devices at the dinner table and/or a cut-off at a certain time in the evening and ondays off).
It can also involve self-awareness. How do you feel when you are scrolling endlessly on your phone? Does it make you feel more stressed out or anxious? Do you notice yourself becoming overstimulated by your devices? If you learn to become more self-aware of your reactions, you can make necessary adjustments.
Mindful technology use can also involve taking digital detoxes and breaks from your devices. Some people give up their phone for one day every week (i.e. Sundays). Others take a longer period of time off here and there (an entire weekend or week). These pre-planned breaks can free up more time for you to get out into nature and interact with people in the real world.
