It was twelve hours of horror, the whole country moaned and mourned…the children didn’t smile, teens were lost, and even many adults sobbed as TikTok went dark in the USA… Well, no, not really. Many of us didn’t even notice, I only learned about this “national tragedy” when one of my daughters mentioned it to me. But it was all good, just a few hours later, everyone rejoiced when the infamous app was back on-line.

I remember growing up in the 70’s and 80’s when my parents used to tell my brothers and I to get off the TV and do something useful. Besides, we only had one TV, so we usually watched the same show together. Fast forward a few decades later and everyone’s nose is down into a handheld screen that provides endless streams of content and interaction.

While these platforms may provide some benefits, they also pose a huge challenge. It is quite obvious now that the overuse of technology brings up some very serious issues such as low self-esteem, less time spent in social interactions, reduced productivity, and more. I know that we can’t just turn off our phones and forget it, because the Genie is already out of the bottle; so as my mom always says to me: “Everything in Moderation”. For that reason, I wanted to share some simple ways in which we can do just that…moderate our phone use.

1. Set time limits and goals - create realistic expectations as to how many minutes/hours you may spend each week in frivolous entertainment. Hey, I enjoy a Netflix movie just as much as the person next door, but spending hours on end in front of the tube (flat now), is a huge waste of a life.

2. Create Phone Free Zones - Just as my parents would have a huge fit if I put a hat on the table (let alone wear one), we should have the same rule for phones. Or when your child goes to bed, the phone stays with mom. If they tell you they need it for an alarm, buy them a wind up clock with the twin bells and swinging hammer. I used to love mine! (yes I’m old).

3. Disable Most Notifications - It is so annoying getting interrupted by the latest email from Planet Fitness, an unrequested insurance quote, or getting the latest trolling post on Eyes on Brighton. When you install a new app, disable all notifications unless they are truly important.

4. Replace Phone Time With an Actual Activity - Read a book, exercise, practice your Karate drills, play an instrument, or set some time aside to spend with someone you care for and/or haven’t seen in a while.

5. Reward Yourself/Others - Set goals for limiting wasteful entertainment, and set rewards when it is achieved. Buy yourself something you’ve been holding out on, take a trip, or go to a nice dinner. If you earn it, you’ll feel so much better about treating yourself to something nice.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ll be the first to follow my own advice. Many of us complain of not having enough time, but if you can follow those simple rules above, you’ll find plenty of time for the things that truly matter.