social media & productivity

Hi friends! In this age of social media and constant phone usage, I have been working on being more present and spending less time scrolling. I became interested in decreasing my screen time after listening to the ‘Now that we’re a family’ podcast and discovering that the average US adult spends 7 hours and 3 minutes on their device each day, the majority of those hours being spent on entertainment, social media, etc.

Another source that inspired me to rethink how I spend my time was a YouTube video called “Why we can’t focus” by Jared Henderson, which highlighted our ever-diminishing attention span. Spending excessive time watching TV, playing games, and watching videos designed to capture your attention and get your money adds nothing to your life! Don’t get me wrong, I believe using social media in moderation is perfectly fine, and the same goes for any online entertainment, but there comes to be a certain point when you need to be productive.

Here are a few ideas for new, more productive ways to spend your time, and what I’m currently doing. 🙂

How you spend your days is how you spend your life.

Hone an old skill

Stimulate your brain by learning something new. I have been working on my resolution to continue learning Sign Language, and my boyfriend has been using a phone app to learn Russian. continued learning improves your attention span, boosts your creativity, slows down cognitive decline, and most importantly, boosts your confidence!

Exercise, exercise, exercise

Staying active (when you can) is so important! Regardless of aesthetic goals, moving your body improves your mood, boosts your energy, helps you sleep, and can have a positive effect on your mental health. I personally love to go on walks, especially with a friend, or do a quick YouTube workout.

Listen to a podcast

I love podcasts, and they are the perfect blend of entertainment and learning. Some of my favorites are American history tellers by Wondery, Wretched Radio with Todd Friel, The Heidi St. John podcast, Focus on the family with Jim Daly, Now that we’re a family by Elisha & Katie Voetberg, and Equipping you in grace by Dave Jenkins.

Read

Reading improves brain function, increases knowledge, improves analytical skills/focus, and overall, makes life more interesting! I have a goal of reading 2 books per month this year, and I’m currently reading Let Me Be a Woman by Elisabeth Elliot and Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts by Dr. Les & Leslie Parrott.

Learn a new skill (Just try!)

Learn to do something you’ve always been curious about! gardening, sourdough, playing an instrument, etc. I have been interested in Knitting/crochet for a while, and I have been slowly teaching myself via YouTube, I am not good at it yet, but I’m trying something and that’s something to be proud of.

I hope this inspired you to get out of your comfort zone and do something you’ve always wanted to! We only have one life, so make the most of it. Comment any skills you’re working on, and what you do to stay productive!

love,

Moriah & Hope