Ask The Expert: Organizing
DIGITAL CLUTTER:
5 WAYS TO UNPLUG
WITHOUT COMPLETELY DISCONNECTING by Crystal Nerpel, Owner of Cloud Nine Organizing
T
echnology has been a huge blessing for the world as we have had to find ways to stay connected with one another. Zoom meetings have helped us conduct business in new ways, and FaceTime and social media have kept us connected with family and friends.
However, technology can never replace our basic human need for face-to-face interactions. Our minds could use a
break from the distractions, isolation, and information overload. Your connection to
you’ll reduce the number of times you engage with your technology.
2. AVOID PLACING YOUR PHONE NEAR YOUR BED
will help you re-engage with yourself, your family, and your friends. 4. SCHEDULE TIME FOR OFFLINE ACTIVITIES Learn to relax and embrace peace and quiet by performing activities that do not require access to technology. Go biking or hiking to enjoy the great outdoors. Take an extra-long soak in a bubble bath to relax. Spend some time reading some books or learning a new skill.
the online world doesn’t have to dominate
I know. You are not loving this advice,
reduce your bond to technology without
the blue light that is transmitted from
5. SPEND MORE TIME WITH YOUR FRIENDS IN PERSON
brain to turn off, which makes it harder
Now is the time to start making plans to meet up with friends! The weather is beautiful, and North Texas restaurants and businesses are looking forward to having you back. Go shopping with your best friend or have coffee with someone you love talking to. Yes, texts and phone calls are nice. But face-to-face interaction is good for the soul.
your life, and there are effective ways to
but your sleep can be disrupted by
having to be completely disengaged.
phones and tablets. It’s difficult for the
1. DESIGNATE A TECH-FREE SPACE IN YOUR HOUSE
It’s nearly impossible to completely forego all technology, but you can certainly
create a tech-free zone in your home. For
instance, you choose to have no devices in the kitchen so that mealtime is family time. Move laptops, tablets, and phones out of
to fall asleep. When your device is not
near your bed, you won’t check it before you go to sleep or when you first wake
up. You will feel more relaxed and will be better rested.
3. DESIGNATE ONE DAY TO GO OFF-GRID
the “Tech-Free Space” and into a separate
We have become addicted to being
office are great locations. You don’t have
your time and energy by designating one
room. A spare bedroom or your home
“connected” and always available. Protect
to be with your technology 24/7, and by
day or night per week when you are away
moving devices into a centralized location,
from your phone, tablet, or computer. This
Technology is a BLESSING. But it can overtake our lives if we don’t create our own usage boundaries. Finding a balance can be tricky but not impossible if you start off with these tips.
CLOUDNINEORGANIZING.COM
26 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | JUNE 2021
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