Look up, Smile

I have been trying to make a conscious effort to minimise my use of electronics. By that I mean my trusty telephone, my computer (bar for work), TV and any other device I can get my grubby hands on. My reason for doing this begun with my want for mindfulness.

I started it about a month ago now.. I like to be quite active on my Instagram for both my blog and for fun but which I still very much am but i found myself refreshing over and over just in case a like or follow popped up or just checking it over and over. I also got snappy about comments about it. So clearly I had gone a bit far.

It's a rare occurrence but sometimes I catch the train home from work and I used it as an opportunity to practice what I was preaching and wow! I was the only person in the carriage (or car, I am never sure which it is) who wasn't looking down to a phone, ebook or I even saw someone on a laptop. It made me realise how much it's taken us away from the world!!!

In 2012, I lost someone who meant a lot to me and I walked through the city after work and it was sprinkling with rain and everyone was rushing around under coats or umbrellas with furrowed brows in such a rush. I was slowly walking appreciating that I was there and someone yelled at me to get out of the way, I was so upset in that moment because everyone was in such a rush and not taking in the time we have.

This week I walked the same street (clearly I don't go anywhere but work and home) but the sun was beaming I thought it was a beauty of a day to be enjoyed. I was smiling like a idiot and I legit got one smile back from a man who looked about 80. There was still furrowed brows but looking down at the phone!!! Why can't we just enjoy the now. Not to mention the amount of people who walk into each other!

I started using this app called timeout (free on android) which tracks my usage on my apps. That was an eye opener and you can also cut apps off when used too much, I'm not at that stage I think I can control myself. I also charge my phone at night on the other side of my room, one, so my alarm goes off and I have to get out of my bed to turn it off but also so I can't just pick it up if I hear it when I'm half asleep.

My last tip to you all, to switch off is to have a no electronic zone/periods. Obviously any feeding time is a no go zone, did you know that if you aren't concentrating on what you are eating you aren't really realising what you are doing. That's why so many of us are still hungry when we have just eaten. Put your phone down when you are on your way somewhere, driving, riding or walking the message or email can wait. Lastly when you're out with friends chuck your phone away, is the message or social media really more important than being in the moment? NO!