CulturallyOurs Ways to outsmart your smartphone for the holidays and beyond

10 Ways To Outsmart Your Smartphone This Holiday Season

12.27.18
CulturallyOurs Ways to outsmart your smartphone for the holidays and beyond

Earlier in the month, we shared some tips on how to enjoy the holidays with more mindfulness. Today we want to share how to outsmart your smartphone by really take the time to relax, renew and reset this holiday season without your digital devices.

We will be remiss in not acknowledging that our phones and devices do help us get through life but the hold they seem to have on our mind, body and subconscious seems to be out of control. There have been many studies that link social media and technology to mental health issues like anxiety, depression and loneliness. The average user picks up their phone 56 times during the day. Don’t believe us? Just look around you the next time you are out and about. It feels like more people hold onto their phones than hold hands, kids seem to talk into the phone more than to each other and even selfies seem to replace shaking hands and giving a hug.

Even our lingo seems to be evolving – swipe up, swipe left, double tap, and click here are on everyones mind!CulturallyOurs Ways To Outsmart Your Phone This Holiday SeasonThis holiday season is an ideal time to reassess the connections that matter most and be truly present. Simply put there is something extremely rewarding and grounding about being present, making heartfelt connections and really enjoying each other especially during the holidays.

So here are some strategies to outsmart your smartphone.

#1 Throwing a party. Surprise your guests by sending a handwritten note or invitation rather than a quick text.

#2 Set a good example on the dinner table by practicing phones and elbows off. Studies have shown that brining a phone to the table diminishes your own enjoyment of the food as well as it being annoying to your fellow dinner mates.

#3 Resist the temptation of shopping online and visit a local brick and mortar store instead. #buylocal is more than a hashtag – it can actually make someone’s day.

#4 Practice your navigation skills by using an old fashion paper map and guide the way reading road signs.

#5 Listen to the radio for the latest weather report or better yet, step outside and learn to read wind patterns.

#6 Print your photos or even buy a Fujifilm Instax and take cute pictures that develop within minutes instead of snapping away at your cell phone.CulturallyOurs Ways to outsmart your smartphone print photos instead of selfies

#7 Board games are really cool and engaging. Skip the online games and opt for a board game that you can play with your family and friends.

#8 Want to know what time it is. Wear an old fashioned analog watch. It really does suit your style.

#9 Remember mental math games you used to play as a kid. Relive those when you want to calculate the tip for a meal at a restaurant. It will help your brain remain active and sharp.

#10 There is nothing more satisfying that reading a physical book. Just the sheer act of turning pages can be thrilling. Skip the digital downloads and head to the local library for a good read.

CulturallyOurs Ways to outsmart your smartphoneRemember the holidays are all about enjoying time with friends and family. Focus on meaningful connections, heartfelt conversations and time well spent with the people. Digital devices will never be able to replace those precious memories. So make the most of this time with those that matter most.

Do you have any tips to enjoy a device-free holiday this year?

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