I grew up in Florida during the ’80s and ’90s. Every year, during hurricane season, our TVs were usually tuned into the Weather Channel where we’d spend hours mindlessly watching the devastation unfold.
As smartphones and social media emerged, the same screen addiction started happening all the time. Elections, weather events, kidnappings, terror attacks, market chaos, school shootings. I was almost literally glued to my devices 24/7. I found myself craving drama. I was officially addicted. Now that the scientific community acknowledges that this addiction is real, how do we combat it?
Fast forward to today. My kids are out of school. Their sports and events are canceled. Our trips are canceled as well. I’m faced with a challenge, what am I going to do AND what am I going to allow my kids to do during this break?
It could be a well needed mental respite for all of us. We could enjoy the spring weather, enjoy one another, play outside. But, I’m afraid that, as the majority of the world, we’ll take this time to stay glued to our screens, anxiously watching the news unfold. Not living our lives. Not connecting.
I don’t need the extra stress. Who does? I trust that the medical professionals will do their best. What else can I do? We decided to disengage from harmful media habits during this tumultuous time and instead, we’re practicing the lost art of conversation, enjoying the great outdoors, playing games & occasionally just sitting in the silence. It’s good for the soul.
What are you doing to stay sane? Feel free to share your ideas, thoughts, and activities below.