In light of the ongoing pandemic, the amount of time my children and I have spent glued to our screens has skyrocketed. When the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, our worlds shifted dramatically. Suddenly, our lives revolved around digital devices for school, work, and connecting with others.
One Sunday morning, my phone buzzed with my average screen time. I felt a wave of embarrassment wash over me—I had no intention of sharing those numbers with anyone. Yet, I found myself posting my first meme about social distancing… from my device, of course.
Screens have become essential in our lives during this time of social distancing. They are how my kids attend classes, how I conduct Pilates sessions, and how we maintain some semblance of social interaction. My eight-year-old aptly described it: “I need to FaceTime to see a face that doesn’t live in this house.”
However, screens also serve as a form of entertainment, from video games to binge-watching Netflix series. While staying informed about the pandemic is crucial, it often feels overwhelming. As a single mother, I’ve leaned heavily on screens for work and brief moments of solitude amidst the chaos.
Before this pandemic, I had made attempts—albeit not always successful—to limit our screen time. My children’s posture was suffering from constant iPad use, and their ability to entertain themselves had diminished. With screens always present, they seemed disconnected from reality.
Now, as we navigate the uncertainty of our quarantine, I realize that taking a break from screens is more vital than ever. I came across an insightful interview with Sophie Grant, author of Offline: The Benefits of Unplugging One Day a Week. For the past decade, her family has embraced a screen-free day each week, completely disconnecting from devices from Friday evening until Saturday night.
The thought of unplugging during a pandemic feels daunting. With constant news updates and kids at home, it seems nearly impossible to step away. I can just imagine the rebellion if I suggested a full day without screens!
But maybe we’re viewing this disconnect the wrong way. Instead of seeing it as a punishment, it should be a refreshing break. Grant describes the feeling of liberation during those unplugged hours. Her family loves the chance to reconnect without the distractions of their devices, allowing them to express their needs and desires.
Unplugging isn’t about deprivation; it’s about creating space for creativity and marking the passage of time in our otherwise monotonous quarantine days. Without the incessant notifications, Grant’s family enjoys meaningful Friday dinners, better sleep, and the chance to read without interruptions. When the inevitable “I’m bored” whine surfaces, it often leads to bursts of creativity—something that can be sparked by boredom itself.
Grant’s decision to implement a weekly screen-free day came after significant life events that made her realize the importance of focusing on what truly matters. This pandemic is another wake-up call for all of us to prioritize our families and health.
While she provides various activities for all ages to enjoy during these unplugged hours, one simple suggestion is journaling. These moments we are living through will be part of history. Someday, we’ll share our stories about how we navigated this period.
Taking time away from screens to engage with our surroundings, thoughts, and feelings is invaluable. In a world where health and family are paramount, looking up from our devices can help us reconnect with what truly matters. To learn more about the importance of home insemination and related topics, check out this blog post. For more insights, you can also visit Make a Mom for authoritative information or Women’s Health for excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, dedicating one day a week to disconnecting from screens can foster creativity, deeper family connections, and a renewed sense of focus on what truly matters in our lives.
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