Because there’s no time like the present to be more present.
5 Ways to be More Present in 2017
Have you ever sat down at your computer, ready to conquer your work, and felt so focused like, “girl, I got this?” Then fast forward 20 minutes and you somehow wound up falling down a YouTube rabbit hole and discovered a whole new genre/community you didn’t even know existed? Me too. If you’re like me and you constantly get distracted really easily, and find yourself not really paying attention to the here and now because you’re on your phone or other technology, this one’s for you.
Stop the push notifications
We allow so many apps to send us push notifications that our phones/tablets are constantly dinging, and so we’re constantly checking them. I was fed up with all of the push notifications so when I got my new phone, I just told every app “no.” A bit dramatic, but it’s really helped me stop constantly checking my phone because it’s not always notifying me every time someone likes a tweet on Twitter or comments on Instagram.
Charge your phone away from you
Did you know that technology actually affects our quality of sleep? It suppresses melatonin, the hormone that controls our sleep and wake cycle. And, it keeps your brain alert so it’s harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. It’s best to not have any electronics in your room that way you’re able to disconnect, and it’s recommended to spend at least 30 minutes gadget free before going to bed. I haven’t quite been able to charge my phone in another area, but at least charge it on the opposite side of your bedroom and put it on do not disturb. Your alarm clock will still go off because I know a lot of people rely on their phones for that reason (i.e. me). This way you’re not tempted to check it right before you go to bed, when you wake up in the middle of the night for a bathroom break, or first thing when you wake up.
Get an app/ website to stop you
Using technology to control your use of technology. I used to use the Self Control app all the time in college because every time I would sit down to write a paper or study or anything, I would always end up checking social media, and you know the rabbit hole you can fall down in once you start clicking away on websites. It is addicting, for sure! This app lets you block certain websites for an allotted period of time (that you specify) so you aren’t able to reward yourself with a “quick study break” because you’ve been working oh so hard in those 30 minutes you haven’t checked Facebook. If you don’t want to download an app then check out the site Keep Me Out and keep off of the social media sites so you can get your work done.
Include your friends
It’s so hard not to Snap or IG Story when you’re out with your friends, but you make more memories when you’re off your phone and living in the moment. The best way to do this is not as a lone wolf, but with a pack. Tell your friends that when you guys hang out, you can’t all be on your phones constantly snapping and taking pictures. Instead, make a pact that when you guys go out and hang out that you’re all going to set aside your phones and really be present in the time you’re spending together instead of on your phones with other people.
Delete it
Deleting Facebook off of my phone was the best thing I ever did. I don’t even post on Facebook, nor do I really like Facebook, but I was constantly checking it. I checked it if I was waiting in line somewhere or just trying to avoid other humans I didn’t know in public spaces. Because, you know, the thought of actually talking to a random person is unheard of, and in order to avoid awkward conversations or engagements, it’s just easier to check your phone. Now I only keep apps I actually use and like to use instead of keeping them on my phone to avoid awkward situations or to mindlessly scroll through when I’m bored.
What do you do to be more present? Let me know in the comments below!
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