Your presence is the present! Should the holidays be a time of stress for some, using devices to decompress is perfectly ok, as long as it is not taking away from socializing with family members. Taking breaks is normal, but using devices to hide behind due to social anxiety or other underlying issues is not the healthiest way to self-sooth. If you are staying home or traveling over the holidays, here are some Health-E-Connection Holiday Habits for you and your loved ones.
1) Balance your Digital Diet: Over the holidays when our schedules are less routine and there is more free time, family, and good food, we can sometimes have a hard time balancing our time and consumption of things we love. Digital Consumption is no different. In order to avoid “binging”, curate a Holiday Folder on your device with play lists of music and video content, download favorite movies and games that are easier to “pause” and not lose progress. Sit together with your kids and explore Common Sense Media for age appropriate suggestions.
2) Carve out Sacred Time: While traveling our routines are more free, but that does not mean unlimited screen time. Create sacred time by keeping devices charged in one hub, these family unplugged boxed from the Etsy shop Cades and Birch are my favorite, but a main charging hub would work just fine! Keep meal times device free! Bring along board games and other fun alternatives to do with the downtime you have to connect with your loved ones. Have a game night! Join with your gamers and let them teach others about their online world!
3) Create Sacred Spaces: Traveling for the holidays? Many families rely on devices for long plane and car rides, this is fine as long as there are moments to take breaks, walk around, remember to eat and drink and rest. Do not start electronics until 20 minutes-1 hour into the trip, then remember to take breaks every 20-30 minutes. Once you are at your destination, remind your family about the sacred spaces you have in your home. While hotel rooms and/or relatives homes are different, try to maintain your sacred spaces by not bringing devices into bedrooms, bathrooms, and be respectful of the screen time rules if you are in someone else’s home and do not be shy to share yours!
If you or your loved ones have a hard time maintaining Health-E-Connections, please reach out, support is here for you.
Wishing you and your loved ones a very Happy and HEALTH-E Holiday season!