Well, it's that time of year again. Every fall, as kids head back to school and young adults leave for college, we are bombarded with advice, tips and guidance from experts on how to handle the transition and once again re-adjust to routine.
Numerous tips are readily available online and in mainstream media outlets. In this edition of MindBodyHealth monthly we want to share a single tip for you to consider.
Reducing Attachment to Cell Phones/Electronic Devices
Recent research has shown that we are growing increasingly attached to our cellular phones, which now serve us with so many options other than just making calls. With a simple click, these devices allow us to text message our friends and family, play music and videos, organize our schedules, access the Internet, and update our minute by minute status on Facebook and Twitter. Now don't get me wrong, I use my Blackberry heavily for both personal and professional reasons, and without it, in many ways I would be lost.
Research is indicating that as we become more and more dependent on our cells phones, however, reaching for them each and every time they buzz, beep or ring, that we are depleting important aspects of our memory resources. We are so focused on what each new vibration may mean (even feeling the need to respond during important times such as driving and family meal time) that we are beginning to lose the ability to attend to anything else for more than a few minutes. Now this has major implications, especially for students trying to tackle assignments and complete homework, but it also suggests that we are now enjoying less and less of our available time due to our extreme reach-ability.
It also has implications for our relationships with others. We are increasingly communicating over electronic devices and moving away from direct contact.
Our advice is this, and applies to everyone, not just those going to classes or with children in school. Find 1 hour each and every day in which you put your cell phone/Blackberry/Iphone/Droid away, and commit to using that time devoted to other tasks, such as connecting directly with family or friends, focusing on school work, engaging in a hobby etc. You may notice that with this practice you become more fully engaged in your moment to moment experience, and are better able to focus rather than waiting for your phone to ring.
