This post is sponsored by Jord Wood Watches. However, all opinions are my own.
Guys, I think I may have a smartphone addiction. I am that person who checks my cellphone over and over and over. I need to know the weather, the time, take a picture, check social media, check email, google something, add something to my calendar, send a text, make a phone call, turn on music… and I do this all day long. Sheesh! It takes up so much of my time. I know that so many of you reading this will be nodding and agreeing that you do this same thing as well.
I first realized that my iPhone was overtaking my life a few months ago. I would sit on the couch to “watch” my daughters play, and an hour later I was still on my phone, realizing that my daughters instead watched their mother place her priorities on a phone over them. How does this happen?! When I first bought my phone I swore that I would never let my kids see me sitting around on my phone. How did it get to this point?
After I recognized that the time spent on my phone was getting out of hand, I starting looking for ways to STOP getting sucked in. I am so far from perfect and each day is different, but here are a few things that truly have helped me leave my phone alone, to be UNPLUGGED! And no, I don’t do these every day, I do them occasionally to help keep me in check.
- I set the timer. Yes, it sounds silly. That is what our parents used to do when we were kids, but it still works for me. I set my timer for an hour and put my phone out of sight. For that hour I do all the million things every mom needs to do: dishes, feeding kids, playing, laundry, reading with my babes, make the bed, play outside… And every time, I find myself shocked at how many times I think “Oh! I need to (insert randomness here) on my phone.” Sometimes I get caught up again and fool myself into picking up my phone.
- I turn off my phone for a set amount of time. Maybe 2 pm-4pm. And guess what, the world has not exploded because I didn’t respond to a text, or missed a phone call in that time. You will likely be painfully aware that your phone is turned off the first few times you try this.
- I run errands without my phone. The first time I felt oddly naked, and yet liberated. It was so nice to be “unavailable”. That is how it used to be. If you weren’t home when someone called, they left a message and you called them back when you got home. Man, it really is the little things. 🙂
- I wear a watch. I am such a time freak. And it is really difficult to do the above suggestions without having a way to tell the time. When I first considered JORD wood watches I questioned if I would really wear it because I wear very minimal jewelry. But buying and wearing a watch has been so helpful in becoming ‘unplugged’. It helped cut out a frequent reason to be on the phone.
- Every so often, I challenge myself to leave my phone from 8 AM to 8 PM. When I’ve done this, I do still answer texts and phone calls. But I leave my phone plugged in, almost like the old school corded phones. If I have any other work to do during the day (i.e. checking emails etc.) I do it on the computer.
These items have helped me break my bad habit. I do each of them often to continually keep me from being “sucked in” to my cell phone. Which item has had the most significant impact? The simplest one, putting on a pretty cool watch that I love wearing. Seriously, when I wear my watch around I find that it takes the place of my phone. I typically carry my phone about the house with me. It is always in my back pocket, or my hand. It becomes much easier to leave my phone on the counter when I am wearing my watch.
If you are considering buying a watch, please allow me to share why I love my JORD watch so very much. First, it is amazingly BEAUTIFUL. The wood grain on the face of my watch is my very favorite. So simple and so gorgeous.This watch also goes with every outfit. I have worn my watch with a t-shirt and jeans, and I have worn it with a dress to church. It is super easy to add a fancy bangle next to it to dress it up for a night out, but it is just as beautiful on it’s own while you are doing your day-to-day.
I also swear I have NEVER had as many comments on a single item I’ve worn than I have on this unique watch. I get asked where I got it ALL. THE. TIME. I have been surprised by how many people notice it.
This watch is also amazingly comfortable. Because it is so versatile, it has become part of my daily dressing routine. Before my watch, I basically just wore my wedding ring. I surprised my husband, and myself, when wearing my watch became a daily habit. I am not a jewelry person, but this watch gives me all the feel goods each time I look at it. It is easy to wear because comfort is everything.
So I have exciting news for you! If you are considering buying a watch, here is a little head start! Click here to receive a $20 off voucher from JORD and be entered into a drawing for a $75 off voucher! Everyone wins! This contest closes September 25th at 11:59 pm.
If you would like to check out my specific women’s watch, shop here.
I wish each of you the best of luck with finding your own balance in life. If you decide to take the 8 AM to 8 PM challenge with me, or any of the suggestions above, please let me know about your experience via comments, email (see contact section) or Instagram. I love to hear from you.
All my best,
