A typical day for me includes waking up and checking social media first off. I go through my email, twitter feed, instagram and then connect on Blogger for updated posts. This all happens before I even get out of bed. So it can take me anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Once I've made my way through everything there, I get the laptop going in my office, read more blogs and start responding to emails. I make myself a strong cup of coffee and power through all this by 10am.
I then begin really working on design items once they're categorized by importance. This goes all through the afternoon and evening all the while I'm checking social media and staying updated on everyone else's lives and blogs. I normally shut down my business work around 6pm and then snag the iPad to bring into the family room with me to then again, check more social media and start pinning for the night.
Hubs gets home, we make dinner and shower and once we're back on the couch an hour later, I am back at firmly holding my iPhone in one hand and iPad in the other. I constantly am checking feeds on all handles up until we migrate into the master. Hubs falls asleep right off the bat and then I spend 2-3 hours on social media again. Mostly Pinterest but always staying connected.
I used to come home from work and when that happened, the phone went in the bedroom not to be touched and I didn't feel the need to always be accessible for clients. Now, I feel if I get an email from a client at 11pm, I need to respond right away. Guess what though? I don't have to do this.
I realized last night watching TV with my man that I legitimately pick up my phone, check all feeds and lock it only to pick it up 3 minutes later doing the same thing. That is beyond unhealthy! I had quite a slap in the face last night learning this about myself and I'm sure it's been going on for months. I wish I could take back those moments in time I'm choosing that over time with Andrew and I wish I had realized the depth of this addiction sooner. So I'm ready to make a change and work hard at keeping social media "out of the bedroom" if you will.
I have to admit, Monday - Friday from the time I wake up to 6pm will be the time for me to stay connected. I work in a networking atmosphere and need to make sure to keep that built up so I can gain clients but any time after my "office hours" needs to be diminished. No more phone on the couch, no more iPad easily accessible, no more computers on after 6pm. End of story.
Weekends I do keep my phone on me while out because I am a picture junkie and love snapping any moment so of course, there will be instagrams and tweets here and there but it's also a time to slow down during the day because I'm not working and nights will be strictly, no electronics either.
It sounds so ridiculous having an issue with spending too much time connected but I want to take a step back and enjoy the moments God places before me with my husband and stepson. I want to embrace the times at night of laughter without having a phone stuck in my face. It won't be easy, I'm sure but it will fully be worth it!
Cheers to this, girl! I've been told that one of the most difficult things about working from home is drawing a line between work and life. But it is so necessary!
ReplyDeleteI'm in the same boat! But as yours is a need to be connected because of work mine is just a need to be connected just to be connected. But I've found that while I'm connected online I'm completely disconnected offline with the real people in my life. It has been a hard realization for me because I do enjoy my time connecting with my online friends however I need to develop my connections with the people in my life outside of social media as well.
ReplyDeleteI think putting everything away after 6pm is a great idea! I know it irks me when my roommate & I sit down to watch a movie together and she's on her phone the entire time and I don't want people to feel that way about me when I'm spending time with them! Thanks for the inspiration to do a little bit of disconnecting and reconnecting to the real world! =)
Man, I'm with you! I need to limit my phone use in the evening!
ReplyDeleteCarly
www.lipglossandcrayons.com
girl I totally hear you! I check my email, instagram, & twitter all before leaving my bed. problem? maybe! I was just watching the news this am & this man went whole year without any interest connect at all. I would not be able to do that at all!
ReplyDeletexxS
I used to be like that , it just got to insane now my phone goes off if I am having me time however I love taking pics so if I'm out and about the phone is glued to me!
ReplyDeleteMeghan Silva's Blog
I always thought this was a generational thing... that is until I got a smart phone! I'm on that thing ALL. THE. TIME! I have noticed though that it keeps me off my computer - I Only ever reach for the computer once I'm home from work (graphic designer here too), if I need to google search and need to see the FULL SCREEN. Or it's easier than navigating on my phone.
ReplyDeleteFor the most part I am guilty of wanting to watch something, putting it on and then playing on my phone the entire time MISSING vital stuff. I caught myself 3 times doing this during Mad Men last night. For what? Stuff that will be there for a while.
Living in the present and being present in those moments is very important, SO important. I'm glad you're changing to make that happen. I think may of us are trying to do the same.
I totally understand. Having a job that requires me to be on the computer all the time. I'm having a hard time "disconnecting" and "not being available". Just keep fighting to UNPLUG
ReplyDeleteAshlee
I made a goal for May of turning off my computer at 7:30 every night. So far it's been amazing! There is a fine line between building your clients and staying connected, but you're right about losing time you could be spending with those you love.
ReplyDeleteAubrey, I an attest that this is true for you just because of how quickly you always respond to me emails! I was seriously blown away by your promptness when I first contacted you about a new blog design. You are speedy. I agree, it is definitely healthy to unplugged for a few hours a day. :)
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I have recently adopted this method as well. There were nights where I would be way into social media, him into a poker game on his phone and we wouldn't speak a word to each other...SO WRONG!
ReplyDeleteGlad we aren't the only ones who struggle with this!
I sooo feel you on this. I've noticed it before and yet here I am, checking my phone every minute. There are times when I will legitimately open my phone and my thumb automatically hits twitter. That's not ok. The husband is just as bad with what I call his fishbook but I think now is the time to step in and intervene our little social minds. I like the idea of staying connected until a certain point and then putting it in the bedroom. Thanks for this post pretty lady.
ReplyDeleteI am having the same revelations girly...I need to learn that I in fact do not need to check my feeds every 2 minutes..and enjoy snuggles with the hubby on the couch and a good glass of wine. Cheers to more relaxing and enjoyable evenings :)
ReplyDelete