Why SAHM Need to Unplug Weekly

In this day and age, we are on our technology more than ever. Our televisions are on day and night. The first thing we do in the morning is check our phones. Even when you don’t realize it, this kind of unchecked technology use is draining you. That’s why SAHM need to unplug weekly.

Affiliate links may be used in this post. Ordering a product through these links may result in a commission. Read the full disclosure here.

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[bctt tweet=”We use technology more than ever. You may not realize it, but this kind of unchecked technology use is draining you. That’s why SAHM need to unplug weekly.” username=”diyadulation”]

I am lucky enough to not spend a lot of my time on social media unless it’s for the blog. However, I am super guilty of too much TV use. It feels like it is always on in the background, even when we’re not watching it. Until recently, I even used it to help me fall asleep. It’s totally embarrassing how much TV we watch.

My Denial

What’s ironic is that I have rules in place to help the day go smoother. For example, we don’t turn on the television before school because the kids were getting ensconced in the shows and losing track of time. This led to too many days of missing the bus or being dangerously close to doing so until finally, I said enough is enough.

For too long, I’ve told myself I don’t need better boundaries with my technology use because I don’t waste hours online watching YouTube or scrolling through Facebook. When I started trying to find additional time in my day, I started doing some tests. I set very specific TV boundaries for myself and found that my productivity shot through the roof.

I went from struggling to write 1 blog post a day to writing or outlining 3 or four. I started getting my cleaning done more quickly. The amount of time I had to complete these tasks didn’t change. However, when I was focused on the tasks without the background distraction of the TV, I worked more quickly and efficiently.

 

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Benefits of Unplugging

Getting more done is only one benefit of unplugging. Even if your family aren’t big television watchers but you find yourself getting lost on Facebook or Pinterest while your kids play on their tablets. You husband spends hours after work playing video games multiple times a week. If any of this sounds familiar, no doubt your entire family can benefit from unplugging weekly.

Reclaim Your Time

The first benefit of unplugging has been the most beneficial for me and that is reclaiming your time. Think about how much time you waste on social media, watching TV, checking your phone or the myriad of other ways you waste time with technology.

If you make it a point to consciously unplug once a week, you will find that you have a lot more time for the things that matter. That can be spending time with your family, taking time for yourself, and even reconnecting with your husband.

More Meaningful Connections

Too many of our interactions are distracted by technology. When you take the technology out of these situations, you will pay more attention during family dinners, holidays, and time with friends. More importantly, you’ll also be more likely to connect in real life.

When you aren’t getting the false ‘connection’ through social media, you are more likely to reach out to connect with friends and family in person. That coupled with spending the time together technology free also leads to deeper and more meaningful connections with the people that mean the most to you.

Help With Your Productivity

As I said above, when you’re focused on the task at hand without any distractions, you are more productive. In fact, it has been found that unplugging at work helps you be more productive too (Fitness Magazine). When you stay off of email, social media, and turn your phone off at work it allows you to get focused and efficient work done.

If it works that well in a work setting, think about how well it can work in your home. It is so easy to fall into unhealthy routines as a SAHM especially because there is a lack of external forces structuring your day. Turn off your phone and other electronics during important tasks to increase your daily productivity.

Get Better Sleep

Getting off of technology at least an hour before bed can help you fall asleep faster and more easily. If you need the distraction of television to keep your mind from running at night, try getting a small CD player and play music. You can also try reading a book before bed to help calm your mind.

 

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How To Unplug Weekly

The benefits of unplugging weekly are all fine and dandy, but how to you actually do it. Here are 4 tips to help you start unplugging from technology weekly.

Boundaries

Setting healthy technology boundaries is just as important as setting boundaries in other areas of your life. Unfortunately, technology boundaries are more difficult because you aren’t just pushing against the boundary intrusion by other. Instead, you are fighting against your own habits which means that it is much harder to stick to them.

Make the process easier by starting with the next tip:

Start Small

If you find yourself really struggling to unplug, start small. Set a rule, for example, that you can’t use any technology before 9 am or after 8.

Even that might be a struggle at first. If that’s the case, then break it down even further. Create the rule that you won’t have technology on during play time with your kids. Another option is to turn it off during meals or while cleaning. Whatever makes sense for you and your schedule.

Pick a Day

Ultimately, your goal should be to get to an entire day that is tech free. Choose one day a week that you will disconnect completely from your phone, social media, television, and video games. Ideally, choose a day that your family is regularly unscheduled so that you can spend it together. It is a game changer for your family and the relationships you have with each other.

Keep in mind, that having a tech free day doesn’t mean you stop enforcing the other technology boundaries you created. Instead, this is in addition to. I still recommend keeping technology off during important tasks during your day and an hour before bedtime.

Make It a Family Thing

Speaking of choosing a day to be technology free when you can spend it with your family, get your family involved. Set rules about technology use for everyone. No electronics at the dinner table, have everyone be tech free on your chosen day, keep the TV off at night and spend some time together. Whatever it is, include your family in it. Not only with this help your family build stronger connections with each other, it also helps your kids develop healthy habits for the future.

 

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Too often we convince ourselves that we don’t have a technology problem. We don’t spend hours watching cat videos on YouTube or playing video games like our husbands and kids. I’ve totally been guilty of this. The truth is, you likely have some technology vice, so-to-speak. That’s why SAHM need to unplug weekly. It will help you identify your technology crutches, make you more productive, and improve the quality of your relationships. Think about how awesome that would be then work to make it happen.

See where I’m linking up!

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How to Rediscover Yourself After Marriage and Motherhood Series

  1. Introduction
  2. Why All Moms Need a Journal
  3. Determine Your Why for Self Discovery
  4. Find Your Cheerleaders
  5. DIY Positive Affirmation Cards
  6. Create Your SAHM Hierarchy of Needs
  7. The Hard Truth About Carving Out Me Time
  8. 5 Awesome Podcasts to Inspire Self Discovery
  9. How to Love Yourself First
  10. Stop Reacting to Life and Live Proactive
  11. How to Set and Protect Boundaries as a Mom
  12. How Moms Can Stop Being People Pleasers
  13. Why It’s Okay to Outgrow Relationships
  14. It’s Time to Break-up with Yourself
  15. Create a Mini Mom Oasis for Recharging
  16. Why Moms Should Date Themselves + How to Do It
  17. How to Get Your Free Time Back as a SAHM
  18. Turn Someday into Today
  19. Why You Should Throw Out Your Clothes
  20. Rediscover Your Old Hobbies
  21. How to Find New Hobbies You Love
  22. How to Create a Daily Self Care Routine
  23. Shut Down Your Negative Self Talk
  24. How a Haircut Can Help You Find Yourself
  25. Make a Bucket List You’ll Actually Complete
  26. Unique Alternative Ideas to Help You Find Yourself
  27. Why SAHM Need to Unplug Weekly
  28. 10 Mom Date Ideas You Can Do at Home
  29. 10 Mom Date Ideas to Get Out of the House
  30. Embracing Your Weird as a Mom
  31. How to Practice Mindful Reflection 

 

Unique Alternative Ideas to Help You Find Yourself

Once you have laid the groundwork, you can start looking at alternative ways to continue growing. Here are 5 unique alternative ideas to help you find yourself. From sleep hypnosis to minimalism, these ideas are perfect to go deeper in your rediscovery journey.

Affiliate links may be used in this post. Ordering a product through these links may result in a commission. Read the full disclosure here.

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[bctt tweet=”All of these unique alternative ideas to help you find yourself will help on your journey of rediscovery. It’s time to create lasting change in your life.” username=”diyadulation”]

I started doing yoga in high school. I’ve never been a die-hard Yogi but I stumbled upon Yoga Zone on the TV and loved it. I started following one every morning before school.

One of my favorite parts was the meditation at the end. I noticed that it really set the entire tone for my day and I was definitely affected when I missed a day. It had such effect that I have continued doing meditation even when I fall off the fitness wagon.

 

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How I Started

That’s how I started opening my mind to more alternative methods of wellness and growth. Later, when taking psychology in college, instead of being turned away from these ideas they actually made a lot more sense. The brain is incredibly powerful. Countless studies show that and the myriad unconscious things that it does for you daily are further proof.

When you are exercising, focusing, and strengthening such a powerful organ, is it really any wonder the amazing things you can accomplish? For that reason, even if you think this stuff is a little “hippy-dippy” for your tastes, I urge you to give them a try.

Sleep Hypnosis

This one I’ve only recently started doing in the last 3 months but it truly makes such a difference. For starters, if you struggle with falling asleep at night, like me, these sessions help you fall asleep. As you continue doing them, you will find yourself falling asleep more and more quickly. This is because you are training your brain that it is the cue for sleep in addition to the words that are spoken.

Furthermore, as you hear the same phrases and affirmations again and again when you sleep, they will stick in your brain. As with most things, don’t expect instant results. To give it a fair try, do it consistently for a week. If at the end of the week it still isn’t your thing, what have you really lost?

Recommendation:

Life Coach

This one I haven’t tried yet but it is something I hope to do within the next year. A life coach is someone who helps you determine where you want to be (in life, your career, and your relationships) and then helps you create a plan to get there.

This isn’t like therapy (which I have done). Therapy is typically meant to help you explore your past, learn who you are, and heal from hidden pain or “fix” something. A life coach helps you focus on the future and then help you with the plan and accountable to attain what you want.

Notes:

 

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Take a Solo Trip

Much like dating yourself, taking a solo trip really helps you get to know yourself and grow. When there are no expectations and no one else to take care of, you can do anything that you want. More importantly, it forces you to bravely try new things alone. That is a powerful experience.

If you do find that you spend the entire time in your hotel room, you can come home with an idea of areas you need to improve. A trip is meant to be an adventure. Don’t let fear prevent you from trying new things.

 

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Try Meditation

As I said above, I love meditation. It is the only time in my day that my brain isn’t running a thousand miles an hour. It takes practice, but when you focus everything on your breath or the words spoken in guided meditation, there isn’t much room for other things.

Moms especially seem to have trouble turning their brains off, so to speak. Meditation is an intentional way to do this. It is amazing how focused and refreshed you feel after even 10 minutes of meditation.

I don’t have a recommendation for this because I don’t use much guided mediation outside of the ones at the end of my Yoga Zone DVDs. There are plenty out there for you to try, though. Start with YouTube to dip your toes for free. Then you can invest in items once you discover your personal style.

Minimalism

This is another one that I have yet to try but when I look at all of the ‘stuff’ in my house, it is intriguing. For starters, living with less frees up your time. Less things in your home mean less things to clean and maintain.

Secondly, when you don’t have all of the clutter, you find more mental clarity and can even see an improvement in mood. I suffer from depression and when things are chaotic in my environment it translates to feeling more chaotic inside. I have more flairs, my thoughts are unfocused, and I struggle with motivation when my house isn’t clean and organized.

Keep in mind, that you don’t have to be an extreme minimalist. Figure out what minimalism means to you and aim for that. Here are a few resources to help you get started:

 

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All of these unique alternative ideas to help you find yourself will help you on your journey of rediscovery. Remember, you’ve already done the hard work. Now it’s time to build upon it and create lasting change in your life. If you haven’t already checked out the other posts in this series, I urge you to go back and work through them now. They truly help you lay the foundations that break you out of the mom rut and truly love yourself and your life.

See where I’m linking up!

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Lighted Heart in the Sand with text overlay - Unique Alternative Ideas to Help You Find Yourself

 

How to Rediscover Yourself After Marriage and Motherhood Series

  1. Introduction
  2. Why All Moms Need a Journal
  3. Determine Your Why for Self Discovery
  4. Find Your Cheerleaders
  5. DIY Positive Affirmation Cards
  6. Create Your SAHM Hierarchy of Needs
  7. The Hard Truth About Carving Out Me Time
  8. 5 Awesome Podcasts to Inspire Self Discovery
  9. How to Love Yourself First
  10. Stop Reacting to Life and Live Proactive
  11. How to Set and Protect Boundaries as a Mom
  12. How Moms Can Stop Being People Pleasers
  13. Why It’s Okay to Outgrow Relationships
  14. It’s Time to Break-up with Yourself
  15. Create a Mini Mom Oasis for Recharging
  16. Why Moms Should Date Themselves + How to Do It
  17. How to Get Your Free Time Back as a SAHM
  18. Turn Someday into Today
  19. Why You Should Throw Out Your Clothes
  20. Rediscover Your Old Hobbies
  21. How to Find New Hobbies You Love
  22. How to Create a Daily Self Care Routine
  23. Shut Down Your Negative Self Talk
  24. How a Haircut Can Help You Find Yourself
  25. Make a Bucket List You’ll Actually Complete
  26. Unique Alternative Ideas to Help You Find Yourself
  27. Why SAHM Need to Unplug Weekly
  28. 10 Mom Date Ideas You Can Do at Home
  29. 10 Mom Date Ideas to Get Out of the House
  30. Embracing Your Weird as a Mom
  31. How to Practice Mindful Reflection 

 

Make a Bucket List You’ll Actually Complete

Do you have a bucket list? If so, how many of the things on it have you actually done? Don’t worry if your answer is in the single digits. These tips will help you make a bucket list you’ll actually complete.

Affiliate links may be used in this post. Ordering a product through these links may result in a commission. Read the full disclosure here.

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[bctt tweet=”How many items on on your bucket list have you actually done? Don’t worry. These tips will help you make a bucket list you’ll actually complete.” username=”diyadulation”]

I have been lucky enough to do many great things and have tons of awesome experiences in my life. Then one day, I realized I had stopped. I got caught up in raising a family and daily life.

It happens to the best of us but once you realize it, you want to do something about it. A bucket list is a great way to change it around.

If you actually do it, that is. That is exactly what these tips help you do.

 

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Start with What You Have Done

Start by making a list of all of the amazing things you have already done. When you see how much you’ve already accomplished, it will motivate you to start again. That’s how you get the initial push to start again.

There are no wrong answers here, either. Everything that you feel is an accomplishment, unique experience, or enriching should go on the list. Here is a short example for you:

  1. Visit Montreal
  2. Go to Disney World
  3. See Boston in Concert
  4. Crowd Surf
  5. Fly in a Plane
  6. Write a Book
  7. Perform Live on Stage
  8. Try Out for The Voice
  9. Go Skinny Dipping
  10. Perform in a Play
  11. Win an Award/Trophy
  12. Complete a 5K
  13. Ride a Horse
  14. Pet a Shark
  15. Ride an Elephant
  16. Feed a Giraffe
  17. Attend New Orleans Jazz Festival
  18. Eat Alligator
  19. See the Nutcracker Ballet
  20. Get Paid to Sing

Not all of these are huge things but they all meant something to me. Seeing it all laid out on a list makes you feel pretty awesome and accomplished. You are a person, a unique individual who has so much more to give than what you give yourself credit for.

 

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Make Your Bucket List

Once you complete the list of things you have already done, it’s time to make your bucket list. You were likely inspired by new ideas while compiling the list above. Write them down: all of them. Anything and everything you can think of that you want to do, try, and experience.

Here is another quick example:

  1. Be an Extra in a Horror Movie
  2. Go Snorkeling
  3. Visit Hawaii
  4. Take a European Vacation
  5. Go on an Overnight Ghost Hunt
  6. Stay in an Over-water Bungalow
  7. Go to Super Bowl
  8. Attend Comi-Con in San Diego
  9. Throw an Over-the-Top Birthday Party
  10. Go on a Huge Tropical Zip Line
  11. Try Glass Blowing
  12. Go on a Cruise
  13. Try a Sensory Deprivation Tank
  14. Earn a Million Dollars
  15. Attend a Crab Boil
  16. Eat at the Hello Kitty Food Truck
  17. Meet the Core Buffy “Scooby Gang”
  18. Sleep in a Haunted House
  19. Go on a Safari
  20. Donate Blood

Notice how there are seriously all kinds of things on this list. From places to visit to conquering fears and even to financial milestones, they are all part of my bucket list. Remember, you decide what goes on it and it can be absolutely anything you want.

 

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Prominently Feature Your Bucket List

After you finish your bucket list, you need to keep that baby front and center on your mind. A great way to do this is to literally hang it on the wall.

If you have a large dry erase board you can write your bucket list on there and hang it. You can also make the super easy DIY chalkboard in this tutorial to write them on.

 

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Share Your Bucket List

Lastly, share it with your family, including your kids. There are 3 reasons for this:

  1. This helps keep you accountable.
  2. It prepares your kids for the times you do things without them.
  3. Lastly, it’s a great behavior to model for your kids.

I love kids for their honesty. When they see you checking off items on the list, they will get excited. On the flip side of that, they won’t hesitate to point out when it has been a while since you checked one off.

Bonus Tip: Schedule It

In case you haven’t notice, I’m a big proponent for scheduling things. When you take the time to write them down and plan them, it makes it easier to stick to. Additionally, it gives you a deadline. I recommend scheduling at least 4 bucket list items a year. Ideally these would be 3 smaller ones that are simple and inexpensive to complete and 1 large one that is consumes more time, planning, and money.

 

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When you start with your accomplishments, keep your list prominent, and share it with family you will finally make a bucket list you’ll actually complete. The life we live and who we become is essentially made up of each one of these experiences. They shape and form us which is pretty cool when you think about it. That means we have a lot more control over who we become than we like to believe.

See where I’m linking up!

Don’t Forget to Pin It!

Stack of Spiral Bound Notebooks with text overlay - Make a Bucket List Youll Actually Complete

 

How to Rediscover Yourself After Marriage and Motherhood Series

  1. Introduction
  2. Why All Moms Need a Journal
  3. Determine Your Why for Self Discovery
  4. Find Your Cheerleaders
  5. DIY Positive Affirmation Cards
  6. Create Your SAHM Hierarchy of Needs
  7. The Hard Truth About Carving Out Me Time
  8. 5 Awesome Podcasts to Inspire Self Discovery
  9. How to Love Yourself First
  10. Stop Reacting to Life and Live Proactive
  11. How to Set and Protect Boundaries as a Mom
  12. How Moms Can Stop Being People Pleasers
  13. Why It’s Okay to Outgrow Relationships
  14. It’s Time to Break-up with Yourself
  15. Create a Mini Mom Oasis for Recharging
  16. Why Moms Should Date Themselves + How to Do It
  17. How to Get Your Free Time Back as a SAHM
  18. Turn Someday into Today
  19. Why You Should Throw Out Your Clothes
  20. Rediscover Your Old Hobbies
  21. How to Find New Hobbies You Love
  22. How to Create a Daily Self Care Routine
  23. Shut Down Your Negative Self Talk
  24. How a Haircut Can Help You Find Yourself
  25. Make a Bucket List You’ll Actually Complete
  26. Unique Alternative Ideas to Help You Find Yourself
  27. Why SAHM Need to Unplug Weekly
  28. 10 Mom Date Ideas You Can Do at Home
  29. 10 Mom Date Ideas to Get Out of the House
  30. Embracing Your Weird as a Mom
  31. How to Practice Mindful Reflection