PERSONAL SPECIAL Places Your Smartphone Doesn't Belong
Nearly
half of Americans say they "can't imagine" life without their mobiles. Our devices have become
extensions of ourselves, and while often a near-necessity (how would we
get anywhere without Google Maps?), they can also be more
burdensome than functional.
Excessive
smartphone use takes us out of the present moment, but it's more than an
annoying habit. Research has linked disproportionate smartphone use to anxiety,
depression, stress and a lack of focus. There are still moments in our very
digital age where it's appropriate to unplug and live undigitally. Setting
tech boundaries is imperative to being in control of the phone, and not the
other way around.
Here are times and
places where it really is best to power down:
1.
During a Broadway show.
Because
you really, really don't want to be this guy. Or this lady
.
2.
At home with your child.
Lead
by example and let your child know face-to-face conversation is the way to
truly honor those around you.
3.
When real life is cooler than screen life.
Which
is most of the time, really.
Sadly,
most of us are guilty of texting on the toilet. Some studies have found that the average
person's smartphone is actually germier than the toilet seat. But it's not just icky:
Cases of people dropping their gadgets in the john have become increasingly common. To lower the risk of
drowning your phone, keep it out of the washroom.
5. At
the dog park.
Your
dog likes to explore and smell on her walk -- it's one of the the best parts of her day. If your head is down and
your mind is distracted, you won't be able to notice her pace and body
language. Make the walk around the block your bonding time -- she'll surely
gift you with some extra happy wags.
6.
During a meeting.
Using
your phone during a meeting isn't going to solve any inefficiencies. In fact, you and your colleagues are
destined to get off track. Just feeling a buzz or hearing a beep can hamper your ability to focus, so it's best to keep your
phone on vibrate, tucked away in your pocket. That dreaded meeting will be
shorter and more productive.
7.
At a wedding ceremony.
The
couple has hired a photographer and your grainy smartphone photos are actually
just making said photographer's job harder. Allow yourself to witness
this special occasion tech-free -- and reminisce in a couple of weeks when the
gorgeous, professional pictures are posted to Facebook
8.
In a yoga class.
There
are so many benefits to yoga. The practice can clear your head, improve
your sleep and present you with a new-found sense of gratitude. For one
inward-turning hour, you're given the privilege of living in the present
moment. And if not for your own benefit, switch to airplane mode out of respect
for the other people in your class. No one wants to hear a Marimba ringtone
during savasana.
9.
During a movie.
There
is no reason to pay $14 to see a flick in theaters if you're going to behave
the same way you do when watching a movie in your living room on the
couch.
10.
In your car.
Because
in many states it's the law and because it's a terrible idea everywhere.
11. Under
the covers.
The only activities that should occur in your bed are sex and sleep. Make
this a rule to live by and you'll snooze more soundly and improve your
relationship.
Kate Bratskeir Food and Health Editor, The Huffington Post
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