In today’s fast-paced world, it’s likely that you’re reading this on your smartphone or while juggling multiple tasks. Reports indicate that Americans spend an astonishing 10 hours and 39 minutes each day glued to screens, not even counting time spent on texting or snapping photos. To put this in perspective, nearly half of mothers with children report getting less than seven hours of sleep each night, feeling fatigued for 14 days out of the month. Adults over 15 average 2.73 hours watching television, while only dedicating about 0.29 hours to reading for personal enjoyment and an equivalent amount to relaxing and reflecting. That totals less than 36 minutes of downtime amidst over 10 hours of screen time.
Moms, in particular, are caught in a whirlwind of digital engagement, spending an average of five hours daily on their devices. Remarkably, 46% of us check our smartphones before even getting out of bed. This number rises to 66% among millennials, with 30% checking emails and 30% scrolling through social media. At work, 60% of millennials can’t resist checking their phones, and a staggering 83% keep them on throughout the day. We use these devices for everything from capturing moments to streaming entertainment and maintaining connections.
These statistics alone can be overwhelming. Research indicates that constant engagement diminishes our creative abilities. The more time we spend glued to our devices—whether waiting in line, watching our children play, or sitting in a doctor’s office—the less creative energy we have.
“The Big Think” emphasizes that creativity thrives when we allow ourselves to pause, reflecting or simply unwinding. This means not reaching for our phones during mundane moments, such as grocery shopping or family outings. We need moments to be idle, meditate or even daydream. However, for many moms, finding time to relax feels impossible amidst a never-ending list of chores and responsibilities.
As Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, an expert on creativity, notes, “Creative individuals trust their instincts, discern patterns amidst chaos, and connect disparate knowledge areas.” Yet, as busy moms tackling runny noses, homework, and sibling rivalries, it’s challenging to give our instincts the attention they deserve. Often, we turn to our smartphones as a means of escape, seeking social interaction via platforms like Facebook, only to find ourselves even more drained by the day’s end.
Journalist Michael Harris suggests that perhaps we should intentionally create scarcity in our interactions and the media we consume. Otherwise, our lives can become a cacophony of distractions, drowning out the meaningful moments. We may need to engage less—both with our phones and with the material possessions that clutter our lives.
While our lives are undoubtedly full—filled with the joyful chaos of children, chores, and meals—it can become overwhelming. Many parents lean on screen time as a way to unwind, yet it’s worth considering if using it less could lead to more profound personal insights, whether regarding our emotions or parenting strategies.
By putting down our devices and allowing ourselves to breathe without distractions, we could enhance our parenting. This doesn’t mean judging the mom at the park for using her phone; we all need that occasional respite. However, recognizing that we don’t need to rely on it constantly might just be the key to alleviating some of the daily noise.
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In summary, while the busyness of motherhood is undeniable, finding ways to unplug and create mental space can significantly enhance our well-being. Recognizing the need for downtime, even amidst the chaos, may foster a healthier, more creative approach to parenting.