The Siege of the Screen
Recently a question was posed by a wonderful mother I know: “How can I get my kids away from the screen?” Since I am not a parent by any means, I don’t find myself all that qualified to answer for her kids, but I figured I would write a post talking about different ways your life, as an adult, can become a little less screened in. I am extremely passionate about this. I believe that there is an epidemic going on in our society caused by the lack of interaction with the real world. What stands between people and the real world? Screens. Phones, junky TV, video games, iPads and tablets, and computers. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a healthy serving of screen time, but when you stop paying attention to the outside world… Well, there-in lies the problem. Screens allow us to escape reality and don’t force us to face what’s really going on in our lives. Fight with your spouse? Don’t worry, just check your news feed until those feelings go numb. Kids are acting up? Escape into Facebook and Pinterest instead of giving them the time, love, and attention you signed up for when you became a mom. Instead of getting out into the sunshine and being with other human beings in face to face interaction, many people choose to sit mindlessly on their couches, hindering their growth as a person and hindering our growth as a nation. (Sorry, was that dramatic?)
I’m not saying to cut out screen time altogether. Like that old saying says, “Something, something, all things are good in moderation.” I forget how it goes. ANYWAY, let’s talk about things that we can do to cut back on our screen time! I suggest picking up at least 3 hobbies that don’t involve a screen. Here’s what I came up with.
Fit & Fabulous
No one wants to be (or have) a couch potato bum. Fight our battle against the screens with exercise! Joining a gym, going for a run, getting some friends together for a friendly softball game, and even going for a walk around your neighborhood are great ways to kill screen time. Ever tried racquetball? I haven’t either, but I’ve heard great things. Exercise is not only a great way to get away from the screen but it creates a happy and healthier you. Like the wise Elle Woods once said, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands, they just don’t.” Exercise and less screen time also ensure that you’ll get better Z’s. Who doesn’t love that?
Stay Classy!
I don’t care if you have a bachelors from UCLA, a masters from Yale, or you dropped out of school at 15. Education should never stop. Check your local community centers and colleges for classes! Most colleges offer continuing education classes that anyone can take. Learn Chinese, personal finance, how to buy a house, wood shop, and basic car maintenance. If you’re feeling crafty they’ll teach you how to paint, write, craft beer, or make dishes that even Ina Garten herself would be jealous of. “Knowledge is power” – Francis Bacon (Not the creator of bacon)
Find your Om
I’ve heard the argument many many times. “I use TV and social media to just relax after a long day.” I totally get it. Sometimes after a long day at work, I just want to come home and chill out. HOWEVER, I have found that if I try to escape my bad day by flooding my mind with social media and TV that the problems and bad feelings and energy I am feeling don’t really get resolved. They just get pushed aside. Instead, I find that if I come home and put my phone away for even 30 minutes to stretch or meditate my mind becomes clearer and I become a lot happier. And if I’m still exhausted I’ll watch a few episodes of Gilmore Girls.
Music to my Ears
“Music can change the world because it can change people.” Bono is the man. I believe music is one of the most powerful forces in the world. It can control mood, convey love and pain, and best of all, cause people to dance. Music brings people together. Replace some of your screen time with music. Learn to play an instrument (ukulele is a good one to pick up quickly). If you already know how to play an instrument, practice. Go to a concert or try writing a song. It can be about anything, even cheese. No musical ability at all? Reenact the audition scene from Flashdance around your house while blasting “What a Feeling” as loud as you possibly can. I dont care if your grandma is trying to watch her program. She probably knows the dance too. Once you and Gam Gam have mastered Flashdance choreography you can move on to Napoleon Dynamite.
Tourist for a Day
Spend your time going to local attractions that you may not normally go to. Check out amusement parks, mini golf, and seasonal attractions like corn mazes, ski resorts, or haunted houses. If you live near a National Park spend the day hiking and exploring. Visit historical sites and learn the stories of your home town. You don’t have to go far for a whole lot of fun.
Support Events
A fantastic way to get your face out of the screen is to support the arts and event industry! Experience the magnificence of your city’s ballet. Check out local theatre. Go to a symphony. Need something to do? Check out SpinGo ! They list all the events going on in your area. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and GO DO SOMETHING!
Helping Hands
Okay now for the feels. Screen time distracts from human interaction. It distracts the part of our brain that notices that there are others that are struggling. Take some time away from your screen to lend a helping hand to those in need. Volunteer at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen, help out in the kitten NICU, or even try calling up someone who is going through a struggle, just to talk. If you’re a parent, take an hour devoted solely to playing with your kids. Give all your attention to them. My mom used to have a picture hanging up in our home and below it read: “On judgment day if the Lord should say ‘Did you clean your house today?’ I will reply ‘No I did not. I played with my kids and I forgot”. I cannot tell you how much of an impact that has had on me growing up. Having the knowledge that my mom and dad cared enough for me and my siblings to put everything on hold for just a bit to spend time with us. The same thing goes for romantic relationships. Put away your phones while you’re in each others company. A relationship can only flourish if both parties are willing to be completely present.
So hopefully this has inspired you to spend a little less time binge watching Netflix and scrolling through miles of Facebook feeds. Human connection is becoming extinct. Get your face out of your phone and step outside. Good things will start to happen to you. I guarantee it. Good luck friends!
PS.
I would LOVE to hear your stories and how less screen time has affected your life. Feel free to leave your comments below.
But after that go outside and play (:
