During the February half-term, my son and I decided to have a screen-free day. It was an initiative suggested by the school; after so many hours of online learning it was time to take a break. I offered to do it with my son to encourage him and make it fair. After all, I too spend many hours each day behind a screen.
But how was I going to occupy my son for a whole day, at home, during lockdown, and with no screen? As a family, we are reasonably strict when it comes to screen times. However, with our son growing up and the inevitable lockdown, we have become more relaxed about it.
I think both of us were a little apprehensive. Being screen-free meant we could not watch TV, play or work on our laptops or even look at our phones…
How I survived a screen free day?
It went very well and there was no need to worry!
Being screen free provided a space for being more creative: we opened a box of games we had not played in a long time and had a lot of fun. We also baked some biscuits and went for a nice walk together. We had more time for each other and also enjoyed some time on our own reading a book.
In the evening, I played a boardgame with my husband and then we did some crosswords before going to bed. It was very relaxing!
This was a lovely day and it really felt like being on a day off. I felt refreshed the next day and ready for a day’s work. And as a bonus, my son and I both slept better that night as we had not been exposed to the blue light or radiation from our devices*! We will certainly do this again.
How to take pleasure in a screen-free day?
Before you begin, decide on what kind of day you would like. Is it going to be a day of fun and socialising with family or friends, a retreat or resourcing day for you only, a day where you are going to catch up on spring cleaning? Or perhaps a mix of all of them?
Then, make sure you have nothing to worry about on the day. You may wish, for example, to turn your “out of office” message on and add an appropriate recorded message to your phone.
If you are in regular contact with some friends or family members by phone, it may be a good idea to tell them what you are doing and say that you won’t be available to chat or message on a specific day.
In the event that you really have to check your messages and be in touch with someone on the day, then just keep it to a certain time of the day and once only, for example at the end of the afternoon. So you have had most of your day off and will not be near a screen before going to bed.
A few ideas to do on the day
Plan some activities ahead depending on your intentions. Here are a few ideas:
- Plan to meet with a friend for coffee or a walk/jog.
- Book a massage, shiatsu or acupuncture treatment to help relax and unwind more deeply (if allowed).
- If you don’t like cooking, prepare some meals ahead so you can reheat them at the last minute.
- Indulge in a warm bath at a time that suits you best.
- Get some books from your local library or buy a magazine beforehand if you prefer, or enjoy a the trip to the library or shop on the day.
- Listen to some music, play an instrument or sing if you wish.
- Write down your thoughts, take stock and think of small changes you would like to implement in your life.
When the day comes, enjoy it! I am sure that, like me, you would like to repeat the experience.
* Blue light affects our melatonin production, see this article for more information.
For more information, please contact me at priscille@priscillehomeopathy.co.uk or on 07387 422 848, or via my contact page.
With best wishes for a stress-reduced life,
Priscille Francetti LCCH MARH
Homeopath
