Where did the time go?
So many times, we get caught up in our own lives that we are dull to our surroundings. We can easily look to social media and just keep scrolling or television shows, perhaps binge watch a series. There is nothing wrong with social media or even television. But there becomes an issue when it is the main focus of our day. Here are a few examples that have happened to me personally and that I still continually have to work on.
I get off work and I am tired, I get ready for bed, crawl in bed and I pull up my phone. I tell myself I am just going to relax and unwind so I start scrolling (a little bit of scrolling won’t hurt right?) I have the best intentions to just scroll a little bit. Next thing I know it has been over an hour. Wow where did the time go? So now I hurry and put my phone down and try to get to sleep. Or I will just play a game or two that will help me unwind right? But I have to pass that level or beat my high score. I know I am not the only one who has done that or is doing that. It is truly a struggle to put the phone or device down.
Don’t beat yourself up you are not alone. So when I actually make a conscience decision to not allow my phone to rule my life I make changes. Keep in mind I truly have to have a plan and stick to it, and there are times it is difficult and even hard, it is like an addiction and the withdrawals can be brutal. So lets try and come up with some simple strategies that can help. Remember these are baby steps and if you flub up as I even do forgive yourself and try again.
Sometimes I will put a book I am reading I am reading. There are benefits to reading an actual book, yes a physical book in your hand. It gives your eyes a break from the screen, and from what they call blue light. At the end of this I will post two separate articles one on blue light and the benefits of an actual hard copy book I encourage you to do some of your own research, don’t just take my word on it. Another thing I have found to be helpful is to put my phone in another room for charging overnight. Sometimes I do not do this if there is inclement weather, so I can receive alerts or I know there is something concerning friends and family where I need to be able to answer the phone. You could also put your phone across the room if you use it for an alarm or are still worried about missing emergency phone calls. Don’t forget you can turn off notifications from things like emails (the emails can wait till the next day) and other notifications so you do not here that constant tone.
I know the focus has primarily been on the phone but we can also get in a similar trap with the television. There is always that new movie that everyone is talking about or that series. I am sure we can all name at least one. This is from my personal experience and what I have been going through. As my walk with the Lord becomes stronger and stronger there used to be shows that I would watch religiously I had to watch it if I missed any episodes I would have to binge them to get caught up. Well, what has happened is that those shows I have no desire to make time in my day for them I have other priorities. My first priority is my time with Jesus, my family, my business, and friends. I also realized that the shows I was consuming contradicted what God was teaching me. There were scenes or story lines that did not align with God’s teaching they started to convict me. So I just stopped watching them. I like to watch more documentaries and older shows now. That is just me I am not saying you have to do what I do but, pray and seek God if there is something that is not good, healthy, and edifying He will let you know.
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
Is what I am spending my time on edifying me, bringing me joy, happiness, and encouraging me?
When I spend time on a devise am I neglecting something else? Time with God, my family, my business, my self-care?
When I neglect something else to be on the device, how does that make me feel?
What are my emotions after spending so much time in a device?
What areas in my life do I need to focus on and put my device down?
What is my first step to taking control of my life?
I pray this helps you and encourages you to take one step in becoming a better you.
How blue light affects your eyes, sleep, and health | Cultivating Health | UC Davis Health