Define What Matters To You Most: In 20, 30, 40 years how do you want to look back on your life? What matters to you most? Use this as a road map to determine what balance means to you. Ask yourself, what would you and your family be missing if they completely eliminated technology? AND, what are you not doing when using technology?
As a mom, you want your kids to be technology savvy, to have access to different opportunities and tools for learning. So, you may decide, for example, you will allow a certain amount of learning games on the iPad each week. The same goes for us adults; we want to be up on the latest apps, tools, programs etc., but at what cost to our health.
Setting Limits: How Much Is Too Much? There are different opinions out there. At Amen Clinics, we prefer that people do not spend more than an average of 30 minutes a day engaging with television, technology and/or video games. Some professionals suggest no more than one to two hours a day for children. Consider finding a balance that works for you. For instance you might try eliminating television on weekdays. For most people, there really isn’t time during the week anyway.
No Phones, Tablets or Electronic Devices at the Dinner Table: You miss out on so many amazing opportunities to connect as friends, family and partners when your eyes are glued to a screen. This tip applies to kids and adults, alike.
No Technology before Homework and Important Chores: This is a more kid specific tip because playing video games increases dopamine in the brain and increase focus and pleasure receptors while playing. Some may ask, well what is so bad about that? The problem is, this means there is less dopamine available in the brain to help focus on the more mundane tasks such as homework. This is especially problematic for children and adults with ADHD.
No Technology before Bed: Unplug 1-2 hours before bed, otherwise the light from your screen and stimulation from what you are viewing can interfere with your sleep cycle.
These tips help me notice how there is more time for exercise, more time for sleep, more time to play games and have dance parties with your kids, and overall more time to enjoy life! How wonderful that you gain more time to do the things that really matter to you in the long run, that helps you to be the person you want to be.
By Haley Figueroa, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Brain Health Coach