Okay so I realize it’s like 8 days into January already, but I just decided what my monthly challenge is going to be. Remember it was just a half thought when we last left it in my goals post. Basically every month I am going to challenge myself to do something. Sometimes it will be project oriented. Sometimes I will check in weekly. Sometimes I’ll just let you know how it went in my monthly goal checks. It all depends on the challenge and what’s works best for it.
January will now be known as the month of unplugging here at Wills Casa (at least for this year). What does that mean exactly?
1. Limit phone use.
2. Limit computer use.
Sounds so vague right? Well here are my unplugged rules:
- No phone/computer until I’ve been awake for 30 minutes.
- No phone/computer at lunch or dinner.
- No phone/computer for 1 hour during the day (the time right after Ramona wakes up from her nap or when I pick her up from school).
- No phone in the car (except using maps).
- If someone is talking to me, then I’m looking at them not my phone/computer. (Nick could not be happier with this stipulation.) Nick Edit: She’s right.
The only exception is using my phone to take a picture. I can’t get on instagram at that moment, but at least I captured it for y’all to see later. This won’t disrupt our daily schedule much, but it will take some willpower. Mainly it will keep me PRESENT in what’s happening around me which is something I need.
If you are joining us for dinner, then expect there to be some phone stacking going on. Basically everyone stacks their phones so you spend time with each other. No texting or social networking. Again the camera is the only exception.
I know Katja is going to unplug with me this month as well. Feel free to join in and set your own rules. Ones that work with your life, but still require you to consciously be focused on your family, husband, or your own downtime. Even when Ramona is in school I’m going to set my phone aside during lunch. It’s about creating a healthy habit.
What do you say? Am I going to totally bomb? Will you call me out on twitter/instagram? Want to hop on the bandwagon? Inquiring minds want to know. I will come clean on my challenge results in my January goal check.
We’ve started phone stacking at dinner too. It actually was really weird the first couple times we did it and that made us aware of just how much we use our phones. Which was…unsettling. The one of these I could totally relate to is not using a phone for the first 30 minutes of the day. It seems like my alarm goes off (on my phone) and when I turn it off I’m already opening my e-mail. Not healthy. I’m interested to see how you guys do! I’m terrible about technology (and I’m on facebook in some way shape or form 20 hours a day, be it open on my computer while I’m working or notifications being sent to my phone- I’m not creeping…it just happens to be open- ugh I’m a failure)
I have always checked instagram, facebook, twitter, pinterest, and email before getting out of bed. Then get up and get on the computer. This should be an interesting change, but I’m better after coffee anyway! Maybe just maybe I’ll get my butt out of bed earlier. A nice study of what’s more important to me sleep or social media. I’m always in the cycle of checking everything then immediately going back to check again. It’s pathetic. Hopefully I’ll cut down on that too!
Good to know you’ve been successful at phone stacking! I think we are all at the point where we don’t even realize how much we check our phones. You aren’t creeping. You are responding like what I did there! 😉
I like this! Jerod and I did not have our phones in front of our faces while we watched a movie in the apartment last weekend and it was wonderful.
This will cut down on yours and my 8 ways of digital communication which means we should probably have that lunch! 😉
Thanks for the motivation and the Wills-power!
-May
Haha it will only cut down on our digital communication at certain intervals throughout the day. Don’t worry May I can’t make it through the day without at least 4 different social media interactions with you!
Ooh this is so inspiring! I’ve been getting frustrated at how much my electronics suck up my time and attention. I love your new rules and I bet my family would love it if I can make ’em happen too. Thanks for the motivation!
Thanks Kelly! Now if only I can pull them off successful for at least this month…
I love it! I can’t wait to do these challenges with you! I am so ready to get unplugged in January!!
It’s a simple start to what we have up our sleeves this year!
I’ve already sort of started this the past few weeks. Less time blogging. I love blogging but it’s such a time suck. I find that I get more done in a shorter amount of time. You can totally do this!
Thanks for encouragement! Today was no problem. I felt way less anxious than I normally do when I’m scouring to check everything. Added bonus!
Love this! I just told Micah last night that we should try no TV or computer after work before Layla goes to bed. My goal for the year is to actually play WITH her more not just watch her play.
That is a great goal! You are going to be amazed at how much she develops from now until her 2nd birthday. It’s crazy!
I thought of another one! Unplug at the gym.
I was there last night and almost fell off the elliptical texting someone (true story). I need to just open Pandora and put the phone face-down before I face plant.
We all know who this “someone” was
Hi Amber! I’m sorry it is just now, I checked your blog out! Thank you for the Challenge, I found it on Katja’s blog. Such a great blog your have here, and you really got me hooked with all your wonderful crafts. You’ve got a new follower on Bloglovin
lovely way to interpret the “unplugged”! Have a beautiful day 
Thanks so much! I’m so glad you found us! I will be doing my goal check on the 31st, so you’ll be able to see how well I unplugged! 😉