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If you feel like you’re constantly drawn to your phone but are having a strong desire to put it down more, this is the post for you!
Our phones can and do have a place in our day-to-day lives. They provide information and connection. But we also know they can be consuming and time-wasting.
I have been trying to be more thoughtful and purposeful about putting down my phone. As we think ahead to the weekend, I wanted to share some phone-free alternatives with which to fill your weekend!
Here are my 5 ideas:
Read a Book
Many people say they don’t have time to read. I think if we have time to scroll our phones then we probably have time to read. This is an area I personally get tripped up on. I will often have a book laying right next to me, but then I choose to pick up my phone instead.
This weekend I encourage you to start a book or maybe finish the book that has been sitting on your bedside stand for the last few weeks.
I just finished Marilla of Green Gables last week, and I absolutely loved it. I am currently reading Restart (a middle grades book), and I hope to be starting What Falls From the Sky in the next few days.
If you need some inspiration in the book department, check out these posts:
5 Books That Have Inspired and Encouraged the Not So Busy Mom
I Didn’t Reach My Reading Goals, but Here’s What I Did Read
Quick Tip: Use Audio books to End Car Squabbles
Tackle a Project
Household projects are endless, and sometimes our phones keep us from starting or finishing a project that’s been on our to-do list forever. Put down the phone this weekend, and tackle that project. I’m always so surprised by how much can be accomplished in a short amount of time if I eliminate distractions (like my phone).
One ongoing project that I hope to continue this weekend is my master closet. I have been organizing and editing my wardrobe. This has been a long process and project, but I am making progress.
What project have you been trying to start or finish for awhile now? Even just 15 or 30 minutes of uninterrupted time can be beneficial.
For more, check out:
Got 15 Minutes? Bedroom Closet Organization
Got 15 Minutes? Kitchen Drawer Organization
5 Things You Can Clean in 5 Minutes
Take a Walk
It’s a beautiful time of the year to get outside and explore. Walking is good for the body, soul, and mind. Walk with your family. Walk with a friend. Maybe you just need a quiet walk alone.
I try to walk 2 or more miles a day whenever possible. I generally like to spend some of the walk in quiet (so I can think and pray), and then I also take some time to listen to some of my favorite podcasts. ( I do realize you have to pick up the phone to listen to a podcast, but it’s not social media so there’s that….)
A few of my favorite podcasts:
The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey
Reconnect with a Friend (or 2)
Friendships can easily get neglected because of the busyness of life. Take some time this weekend to connect with a friend. This could be accomplished in a number of ways. Ask a friend out for coffee. Meet a friend and her kids at the neighborhood playground. Invite a few friends over for dessert. Even a simple gesture or activity of re-connection will benefit both you and your friend.
Rest
Rest. Yes, I said the “R” word. It’s an important word that is often neglected in this day and age. People see rest as unproductive and often unnecessary. I find rest to be one of the most important things I can do for me.
Resting does not necessarily mean sleeping; although getting appropriate sleep is important. Resting can be napping, putting your feet up, or just spending time ignoring the “to-dos” for an afternoon.
Don’t ignore rest; embrace it… starting this weekend!
What about you? What will you do this weekend instead of spending time on your phone? I’d love to hear your ideas, so drop them below.
Until next time,
Charissa
5 Books that Have Inspired and Encouraged the Not So Busy Mom
