Here are some challenge ideas to help you set your screens aside more often.
The goal is to maintain control over the Internet and to enjoy moments on airplane mode.
Which challenges will you choose?
Turn off all your screens one hour before bed. Side effects include a good night’s sleep.
Spend a Thursday screen-free like back in the day! #tbt #pauseyourscreen
Tomorrow, only check your phone once an hour and battle the urge to respond immediately. Game on.
Charge your cell somewhere other than your room. We dare you to buy yourself an alarm clock. Yup, you read that right, an alarm clock.
Try this for a week: every time you pick up your phone while someone is talking to you, justify it by giving the real reason. Ouch.
Next time you’re out with your friends, put your cells away. The first one who takes theirs out pays the bill.
Turn off all visual and audio notifications that are not essential.
Download an app that calculates the time you spend on your cell every day.
For a week, wait until after breakfast to set your eyes on a screen.
For a week, every time you’re waiting in a line, resist the temptation to check your cell and just… wait.
Leave your cell in a room or a bag and don’t bring it everywhere with you!
Turn on airplane mode and set an alarm for the duration of the break you want to take (15 min, 30 min, 45 min, etc.).
Are you having a conversation, sitting in class, or attending a meeting? Turn off your screens for a few minutes, hours, or, if you’re really brave, a whole day and be fully present.
Adjust the settings of some social media so they stop after a predetermined amount of viewing time (e.g., YouTube after 15 minutes of viewing).
Delete non-essential apps from your home screen. Place them in folders so they’re “hidden.”
After staring at a screen for a few hours, how do you feel? Satisfied, relaxed, anxious, kind of depressed? Try to opt for connections that make you feel good.
Ask your family and friends what they think of your Internet use. Do they feel that you’re present when you’re with them?
Shop in stores instead of online, a great way to encourage the local economy, meet people and… spend less time sitting!
