Spring Cleaning Your Device Usage
Spring is finally here and some of us start to think about organizing and cleaning. How about spring cleaning your device usage? We spend hours cleaning our homes, offices, cars, garages and so on during the spring. Maybe take a little time to commitment to short breaks from your devices. Our saying here at Lo.Co is to enjoy life through your eyes and less through your screens! We are naturally drawn to instant rewards. The cyber world gives instant gratification, an active audience and no distance barrier (you could connect with someone on the other side of the world). It just takes practice and you'll start to take control of your device usage instead of the device taking control of you.
Here are some tips on how to spring clean your device usage and reasons why:
• It is a good idea to actually clean your device(s) - Your cell phone is 10 times dirtier than a toilet seat!! Most people don’t give a second thought to using their cell phone everywhere, from their morning commute to the dinner table to the doctor’s office. Your own hand is the biggest culprit when it comes to putting filth on your phone. Americans check their phones about 47 times per day, according to a survey by Deloitte, which affords plenty of opportunities for microorganisms to move from your fingers to your phone.*
* Reference: http://time.com/4908654/cell-phone-bacteria, https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/technology-media-and-telecommunications/articles/global-mobile-consumer-survey-us-edition.html
• Reconnect & sleep better - Our devices and apps help us in many ways, but we pay a price in our connection to priorities – and people – that bring us happiness. Even 30 unplugged minutes a day makes a big difference. Make those 30 minutes happen when you first wake up and you’ll help your brain set “ground rules” for the rest of the day. Go tech-free as you wind down before sleep. You’ll help your brain adjust to more restful light and thought patterns so you rest better and get organized for the next day.* Dedicate time away – begin small with 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes increments and you’ll start learning to take a little time away from your device(s).
* Reference: Happiness Hack by Ellen Petry Leanse, https://www.ellenleanse.com
• Try to balance cyber world and real world - The cyber world can be overwhelming at times. Always following what others are doing, FOMO (fear of missing out) and overstimulation. Take a little time to breathe, meditate and enjoy the environment around you. Virtual relationships are not as strong as physical relationships. If possible, meet the people you network with virtually and get to know each other better face-to-face. It can be less lonely and healthier by developing real world relationships. There is a term called cybersickness.* Taking short breaks from your devices is a healthy alternative to the headaches, stress and eyestrain.
* Reference: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/12001743/Cybersickness-The-new-illness-sweeping-the-nation.html
• Another good idea would be to have discussions with your children/family regarding their device usage - it may be easier to be device free at the dinner table, events, get togethers, car rides, etc if it is done together as a group. Have everyone put their devices away and start friendly conversations. It can be hard to do at times but yet again practice will turn into good habits.
We are always happy to hear any feedback on #HowIGoLoCo or #HowWeGoLoCo. Share how you are spring cleaning your device usage. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Snapchat. Take a little time to go Lo.Co™ - #LifeOnCellOff #GoLoCowithUs.
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