A Balancing Act: Using Electronics and Being in the Present Moment
*opinions or examples cited in this post are those of the author, and are not intended to be presented as “hard and fast” facts or truths.
A person whose opinion I greatly respect, recently offered me this nugget: “anxiety is often wrapped up in concerns related to the future, while depression is often connected to events of the past. The best coping method for both anxiety and depression is practicing staying in the present moment.”
As I strive to stay more grounded and present in my own life, I’ve become more aware of the things that tend to pull me away from the present moment. More and more, I’ve noticed the role electronics play in my life, and how often my relationship with electronic devices (namely my phone) pulls me away from what’s happening within me and around me.
As many of you might be able to relate to, I feel almost a constant pull to be “checking” my phone (texting, email, Facebook, Instagram). Of course, there’s a benefit to this: I receive information faster and more efficiently than ever before, and am increasingly more connected to friends all over the world. However, the upshot is that it’s becoming harder for me to put the phone down. And from what I observe of others, I’m not the only one.
At times, this constant checking and rechecking of my phone seems to happen unconsciously. Yet, more and more I’ve begun to notice the way excessive screen time influences me. Often, this mindless checking of my phone seems to add to whatever stress or anxiety I might already be experiencing in my life.
I believe this happens because when I’m on my phone, I’m being removed from experiencing the present moment. This removal or distraction from the present can take many forms. For instance, receiving a work related email right before bed might add to my stress, even if there’s no need for me to respond until the following day. Instead of enjoying my evening at home, I’m caught up in the “to-dos” of tomorrow. Moreover, constant checking of social networks (“news feeds”) often takes my mind away from what’s happening presently in my life. Instead of having a conversation with my partner, I’m caught up in what someone else is doing online. How many times have you been with friends or family, only to glance around and notice everyone is looking at their phone? I’ve experienced this many times, and for me, it feels disconnecting.
I wasn’t compelled to write this post so that I could tell you what to do, or how to use your phone, computer, etc. I acknowledge the possibility that others may not see this as a problem. Additionally, the message here is not that “electronics are the problem.” Smart phones, tablets, and computers are wonderful tools and have the capacity to enhance our lives in many ways. In the end, we are in control of how we choose to use these devices.
If some of this rings true for you, I encourage you to examine your own relationship with electronics, and to assess what effect your devices have on you, especially if you’re experiencing heightened stress or anxiety. If you are a parent, and have concerns with your child’s usage of electronic devices, consider setting concrete limits to your child’s allotted screen time, or devise ways/activities to enhance connection within your family. If you recognize screen time as a problem (either for yourself, or your child), consider the following practices/activities:
- Mindfulness practice (The Mindfulness Survival Kit, by Thich Nhat Hanh, is a great starting place)
- Walking in nature
- Listening to/playing music
- Reading for pleasure
- Nurturing the relationships that are of most importance to you
- Talking to a therapist!