The amount of time we spend in front of computers and on our cell phones has dramatically increased over the years. At the touch of a finger, we’re able to do a multitude of tasks including managing our work day, ordering food, checking our bank balances and even monitoring our health. You name it, there is an app for it!

However, with the increase of time spent relying on our electronic devices, we’re often unaware of how disengaged we can be from friends and family, and how addicted we’ve become to these electronic boxes. So much valuable time is wasted, mindlessly scrolling the pages of Facebook, Instagram and email. That time could instead be utilized to create new projects, personally develop or spend more focused time with our loved ones.

In order to maximize your time with loved ones and create more uninterrupted time for yourself, below are number of strategies to help you decrease your technology usage and free up time in your day.

Track Your Usage

Not sure exactly how much time you’re spending on your devices? Apps such as Moment, Checky and Reduce Time allow you to manage and monitor your technology usage.

Stay Organized

The more organized we are, the less time we have to spend checking our calendars, emails and messages. Ensure you remain well organized using an app such as Evernote or a paper diary, to allow you to keep yourself on track and focused.

Create Rules

Boundaries are one of the hardest things for us to set and respect, but are incredibly necessary. Putting in place specific rules and time slots of when technology use is acceptable is key to creating more engaged and uninterrupted time for yourself and others. Pro-tip - Set your phone on do not disturb, silent or turn it off often.

Remove the Distraction

If you know you’re prone to mindlessly scrolling through your phone - removing applications or turning these applications off in the settings of your phone can stand as another safeguard to keep you on task.

Willpower

Setting and sticking to usage rules and boundaries will take willpower, but like a muscle, the more we use it, the stronger it gets, and the willpower will carry over into other areas of our lives.

Joint Commitment

Seek the buy-in from your friends, coworkers and family members on when it’s appropriate to use our devices. Having a rule of no phones at the table or when engaged in a conversation is a great start.

Have a Real Conversations and Get Outside

Less time in front the screen means more time to get outside. Swapping Google for the great outdoors gives us an opportunity to learn from our surroundings, our peers and our daily encounters. This increases our knowledge base, our social skills and our connection with our thoughts, feelings and emotions.

Create

Less tech time means more time to engage in outlets that foster creativity such as music, art, cooking, reading, writing and relaxation!

There are so many incredible experiences, conversations and moments to be shared. Do yourself a favor and break free from the traps of technology, and get out into the real world.