In this three-part series, SCS instructor and attention activist Jay Vidyarthi shares tips to reclaim your mind from exponential tech.
Did you know that social isolation is as dangerous for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes or being an alcoholic? Did you know loneliness is twice as harmful to both your physical and mental health as obesity? It’s hard to imagine, especially since we often think of our bodies as machines when in fact, we are social animals. Social media often trick us into thinking we have lots of ‘friends’, but the reality is a few likes, hearts, or texts aren’t going to provide the sense of connection our bodies need to feel okay. It’s essential that we learn to prioritize the people physically around us over those we connect with through our screens.
Don’t bring tech to the dinner table
Meals are a wonderful time to connect with those you’re closest to. If you are locked down with family or roomates, maintaining the ritual of the ‘family dinner’ can be a powerful way to stay connected. Eating while watching TV shows or side-texting can totally sabotage things. In fact, research has shown that the very presence of a phone on the table - even if the screen’s off - can reduce the intimacy of connection. So keep the tech away when you’re eating with other people.
Tether your phone to its charger
We call our smartphones mobile devices because we can take them wherever we go. This can be a huge advantage when you’re lost in Kensington Market, but it can actually be a challenge at home. You might find yourself becoming a couch zombie, zoned into your phone no matter what room you’re in. It can help a lot to leave your phone tethered to its charger when you’re at home. If I want to check something when I’m with my wife and son, I have to excuse myself and walk over to the office. I don’t give myself the option of ignoring my wife while staring at my phone, or accidentally subjecting my son to the still-face experiment.
Make intentional audio / video calls
It’s important to remember that a healthy relationship with your devices doesn’t mean you’re anti-tech. Especially in quarantine, tech provides an incredible lifeline for work and for relationships. You may want to schedule intentional video and phone calls with people who lift you up. Texting and messaging lacks any kind of embodied connection. Video calls don’t quite feel like meeting someone in the flesh, but some warmth is possible, especially if you intentionally set time to hang out with someone (and not just use it for work). It can also help to connect with people via voice notes or videos as opposed to text messages.
Don't forget to check out Part I of this three-part series, exploring rest and sleep!
Jay Vidyarthi instructs our Technology and Mindfulness course. He is an attention activist working toward a society where tools for self-care and mental health are as diverse as the people who need them. He believes mindfulness will empower individuals to reclaim choice in the attention economy. As a designer, Jay has helped launch mindful technologies like Muse: the brain sensing headband, Sonic Cradle, the Healthy Minds Program, Brightmind, and 10+ more. Jay serves on the advisory council for the Mindful Society Global Institute, he’s taught design at major educational institutions, and he has been recognized and featured internationally (Harvard, ACM, MIT, UToronto, Forbes, Vice, Fast Company, TED, etc).