Have you ever thought about how many times a day you engage with technology?
Think about it. Really think about it.
While the actual quantification can be pretty difficult to track, I’ve got to say, when I think about my average day and technology usage, I’m very…millennial. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing! I was essentially raised around technology. But it certainly helps to put my habits into perspective, right?
Let’s break down an average morning, for context.
I’m woken by my alarm clock, which is essentially an app on my phone. After pressing “Snooze” too many times, I check my email, the weather, and scroll through social as I wake up. I’ll then put down my phone as the morning rush ensues — I wake our kids up, get them ready, make coffee for Doug and I, prepare everyone a healthy breakfast, and make sure all our ducks are in a row for the day. We often like to have music playing while we’re going about our mornings, which is played through our bluetooth speaker and, once again, my phone. Once we’re all settled, if there’s time, I’ll thrown on a quick TV show as I finish getting myself ready for the day, or quickly email on my computer before the day officially begins. We love to Facetime our family members, so if a call comes in, the girls and I love to take a few moments and chat.
And that’s just a snippet of a day in the life!
Side note: Check out this fun video for a little preview into what our average morning looks like! (Big props to Nine-Twenty Productions for the video.)
My reality is is that, particularly because I run an online-based business, I’m connected to technology pretty much all day.
I’m constantly creating or ingesting content with technology as the foundation. Taking digital photos. Editing via Lightroom. Writing. Business and finance management. Email. Data storage. Content research. Social media management. They meet at the intersection of technology, are primarily done on my phone or computer, and are almost all powered by the internet.
It’s pretty crazy to think about, actually. What would I do for a living if the apocalypse happened and my devices no longer worked?! Yikes. Note to self: Learn to sew.
I’m sure you can guess where this is going. In my life — in most of our lives in today’s world — we rely on technology and the internet to be connected and manage our digital lives. Which, for me, is my job. So its importance truly can’t be overstated!
Of course, placing such reliance leads to needing reliable service.
Which is why we’ve got the best of the best. We have Xfinity at home, and it’s by far the fastest and most reliable service we’ve had for both Internet and Wifi coverage. (Which says a lot, because after living in Chicago for 10 years, we’ve had quite a variety!) Another key thing for us is the ability to stream in any room; from music to TV, our family is constantly streaming, so fast and reliable streaming in addition to reliable Internet is key! (Anyone else hate when you’re watching a Netflix show and you get the “thinker” icon?! The. Worst.) Be sure to swing by this link if you’re interested in learning more about the basics & benefits of Xfinity services.
I’ve said this before, but I think it’s important to say again. While I believe technology is such a powerful tool that enables us to connect and engage in ways that are transformative, it’s also something that should be done in moderation. (Especially as someone whose job is focused around it!)
As much as I love streaming music, writing this blog, scrolling through social, or watching my favorite TV show, I also equally love to disconnect. I do it often; I try to every day! At least for an hour or so, to really focus on time with my family, a little me time, or enjoying a (paperback!) book. Digital is powerful in our lives, but so is good, old fashioned soul food, you know?
I think that’s my key takeaway from it all. Moderation. Enjoy technology for what it can provide and do, but also make time to embrace the core of humanity, which is true connection with both ourselves and others. Even though my girls are growing up in an age and time surrounded by digital, I hope to teach them about moderation. How it can help. And how to approach it all with balance.
But, seriously, how amazing is super reliable and fast internet? 😉
So, what’s your take? Do you engage with technology as much as I do throughout the day? Or are you reading this thinking I’m a crazy millennial loon who engages too much? Would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
PS – How To Be A Girl Boss: 7 Tips To Ensure Success + How Procrastination and I (Finally!) Broke Up
This post was sponsored by Xfinity, however as always, all thoughts are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that partner with Isn’t That Charming!
