Digital Detox

Join us for a compelling and insightful discussion on Episode 320 of Centric FCU's Live Better Podcast as we delve into the ever-relevant topic of Digital Detox. Our special guest, Lawrencia Jenkins, from Finding Solace, a cherished counseling service in our community, offers her expert insights on the impact of technology and social media on our lives.

In this episode, we tackle the pressing issue of limiting screen time and shed light on the potential harmful effects of excessive social media usage on individuals of all ages, including kids, teens, and adults. Lawrencia's valuable expertise opens up a meaningful conversation about the importance of nurturing healthy relationships with those around us and finding solace beyond the digital world.

Whether you're a parent concerned about your child's online habits or an adult seeking balance in your own tech usage, this episode is filled with practical tips and guidance on how to take intentional breaks from technology and embrace a more present and meaningful life.

Tune in to Episode 320 of the Live Better Podcast for a thought-provoking exploration of the Digital Detox movement, and discover how we can reclaim our focus, mental well-being, and authentic connections in a technology-driven world.

Subscribe now to never miss an episode of Centric FCU's Live Better Podcast as we continue to explore ways to enrich our lives and inspire positive change in our community.

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:00

<silence> Welcome to the Live Better Podcast, brought to you by Centric Federal Credit Union, your trusted source for empowering financial advice. I'm your host and centric social media and marketing coordinator, Emma Bains . And together we'll embark on a journey toward a brighter financial future. In each episode, we'll dive deep into the topics that matter most to you, whether it's saving for a dream vacation, mastering the art of budgeting, or ways to improve your overall wellbeing. In general, our goal is simple to help you live better by providing valuable insight and practical strategies. Get ready to be inspired as we feature guests who share their expertise, real life stories and experiences from industry professionals to financial gurus. We'll bring you a wealth of knowledge to guide you on your financial journey. Join us every month as we explore ways to save, invest, and plan for the future, all while living a life you love. Get ready to live better with Centric Federal Credit Union. Subscribe today so you never miss an episode. So today we are joined by Lorencia Jenkins, who is a family counselor at Finding Solace here in West Monroe. Before we jump into this digital detox topic Yes . Um, can you just tell our listeners a little bit about who you are and what you do at Finding Solace?

Speaker 2: 1:16

Definitely. So I've been doing therapy for about six years now. Six years? Couple days. Mm-hmm. <affirmative> . Um , I work with individuals, children, families, couples. I tell people like the dog if like anyone who needs it. Um, but yeah, that's my passion is just family systems helping you through, whether it's parent child issues, I love women's empowerment, things of that nature, so mm-hmm . <affirmative> pretty much all over.

Speaker 1: 1:40

That's awesome. So do you work a lot with like the teenage group or , yes . Or , okay. So I bet that's interesting.

Speaker 2: 1:46

Yes, and that's one of my passions. 'cause I think as a teen, having that voice, having that understanding, so vital mm-hmm . <affirmative> . So to have an outlet, even if it's the therapist, means everything. Right.

Speaker 1: 1:57

Okay. Well, that's awesome. Um, so jumping right into technology, it's clearly addictive. Yes. It is advanced a lot over the years. Um, how has technology evolved over time and do you think that excessive screen time has negative effects on sleep? Mm-hmm . <affirmative> , wellbeing, productivity, things like that. Yeah,

Speaker 2: 2:18

Definitely technology in general. I know for me, I remember when those computers came out and it was like the black screen with the green letters, like the first ever Apple computer till now where you have, you know, AI technology. I was the MySpace era, so it was like meet everybody was on MySpace and a o l chat, and we thought we were doing something mm-hmm. <affirmative> . But now it's, it's so much where, you know, going live and making connections, whether it's through gaming, through social media, I think it's evolved tremendously to where some people, you know, that's their outlet, right . That's their way of life. And so I think we went from having chat rooms here and there to now the internet is almost the way of the world

Speaker 1: 3:01

It is. And it , it's kind of like it , its own world. Yes.

Speaker 2: 3:05

Yes.

Speaker 1: 3:05

Yes. It's kind of separate, but also still connected to the real world. Mm-hmm. <affirmative> , I don't know. It's very, it's very odd because I was actually a high school teacher for six years. Yes , yes . And so I've worked a lot with teenagers as well. We did a project one time mm-hmm . <affirmative> , um, where I had the kids pull out their phones 'cause I taught math, and we all looked at our screen times and we did a project based on that information mm-hmm . <affirmative> . And so it was, it , it blew my mind. Yes. Yes . Okay. So I think the highest of all of my students that year had an average screen time of 18 hours per day. Oh wow. Wow . And I remember asking her like, when do you sleep? When

Speaker 2: 3:45

Do you eat? What do you

Speaker 1: 3:46

Do <laugh> ? When do , when do you ? And she was like, well, I sleep in here, <laugh> in my class. <laugh> . But yeah, I mean, just seeing these numbers, yes . It was outrageous. And I just, I don't see how you can balance mm-hmm . <affirmative> daily life. Well, when you spend 12, 15, 18 hours a day. Yes . You know, on the phone. Um, so do you think that technology has taken the place of simple daily life activities? I think

Speaker 2: 4:11

So. I think to a certain aspect, especially when the pandemic hit mm-hmm . <affirmative> , it changed everything. But even over time, you know, from connections to workouts where some people was like, Hey, I can pull it up online. Yeah . I can do it at home. It's sufficient. But I think it's replaced, you know, those activities where you would go grocery shopping, I was

Speaker 1: 4:31

Spend your

Speaker 2: 4:32

Time . Now it's like, okay, apples, oranges, grocery pickup , it's done. Yeah .

Speaker 1: 4:36

Yeah. Like, we literally don't even have to go to the grocery store, literally if we don't want literally <laugh>. It's insane. And I think about, I have two small children. It is . And they're not allowed to have phones. They don't have iPads , um, which is just a personal choice for us. But my son does enjoy playing video games. Mm-hmm. <affirmative> , and it's not social media, but it is still technology. And I , I look at him sometimes and I'm like, okay. Mm-hmm . <affirmative> , we have to go outside. Like, we , we need to go do something else. Yes . You know, because it's just so easy, especially for young children and teens Yes . Whose minds aren't fully developed to just be drawn into that mm-hmm . <affirmative> and literally they could do it all day.

Speaker 2: 5:17

Yes. Yes .

Speaker 1: 5:18

It's , it's insane. So talking about mental health mm-hmm . <affirmative> and this technology, how do you think that this advanced amount of technology that we have at our fingertips has affected mental health?

Speaker 2: 5:30

I think on so many spectrums, right. As far as self-esteem or just connections in general, you know, the Instagram era filters came out, things of that nature. So just really, I think the internet allowed people to tap into seeing others' lives and what that looks like. So I think even mental health wise , we may see something, a celebrity, an influencer, and it may feel like you're being left out, or, Hey, you know, I wanna look this way. What are they doing? How can I get to that? I think a lot of times it could affect how you perceived yourself. I agree. And just connections overall of, you know, some people longing for connections, but still struggling to make connections even within the internet. Mm-hmm. <affirmative>.

Speaker 1: 6:12

I agree. Um, you know, it's so easy to get pulled into. Yeah . Well they, they look like everything is so perfect on social media. Like, I must be doing something wrong. Exactly. And I feel like especially in women, it has really taken a toll on mental health and feeling inadequate for really no reason. Because I tell people all the time, like, you have to remember when you're on social media that you're looking at a highlight reel. Exactly. I mean, this is not everyday life. Yeah . Like, they have struggles just like everybody else. Well , we don't put those on social media.

Speaker 2: 6:43

Right. You never see it. Yeah ,

Speaker 1: 6:44

Exactly. Because why would you do that? Exactly. And yeah, I think it's definitely taken a toll on, on mental health for sure. Um, how have you seen social media play a role in fostering feelings of inadequacy? Mm-hmm . <affirmative> and low self-esteem. Not just in women, like we just said. Yeah . But even in teenagers all

Speaker 2: 7:02

Over, I think as we were just speaking, like even one thing that I thought of was just feelings of anxiety and depression. Mm-hmm . <affirmative> right . Of like, that inadequacy of, I'm not enough because of what I've seen or what's been depicted. So does it then create that pressure to perform mm-hmm. <affirmative> , that's anxiety. Exactly. Things of that nature. Or depression when I feel, you know, inadequate in those feelings begin to kick in. And I think those teenage years, for me, it's like the wonder years, those precious years where we're like, who am I? Yeah. You know, I wanna figure out who I am, what makes me mold my life as an adult. Mm-hmm. <affirmative> . And with social media, so many distractions, so many different depictions that you do see a lot of teens, just really trying to figure it out.

Speaker 1: 7:43

Yeah. I will say , um, I think our generation was pretty much the first to have social media. Yes. But we didn't have it from the time we were babies. Mm-hmm . <affirmative> , like, I , I wasn't six months , no six months old in front of an iPad, you know, and the students that I did teach when I taught mm-hmm . <affirmative> , they had it their whole entire lives . Yeah . They don't know a time without a screen or a phone. And you know, my kids are in elementary right now, and a bunch of their, their friends already have phones and , and TikTok . Yeah . Yep .

Speaker 2: 8:13

Yes .

Speaker 1: 8:13

<laugh> , I'm like, you are eight. Right . What is going on? Like, we're

Speaker 2: 8:17

Coloring,

Speaker 1: 8:18

We're okay <laugh> . And , um, but I will say the teenagers that I taught we're so drastically different mm-hmm . <affirmative> from the way I was and my friends were when we were teenagers. 'cause we just didn't have the same things at our fingertips Yeah . That they did. And I feel like it has caused teenagers now to withdraw a lot. Mm-hmm . And, you know, not be as comfortable socially. Yeah . Because they're most comfortable in social media. Exactly. And the two are not the same. Yeah . It's

Speaker 2: 8:45

Totally different. And its that escape for them as well of like, like you said, I don't know what to say, so if I shut down, it's kind of an outlet, but it's that detrimental outlet. Exactly. When it becomes too much.

Speaker 1: 8:57

Yes, for sure. Um, they feel like they need like a perfect online persona mm-hmm . <affirmative> and then when they don't have that Yeah . You know, here comes the lower self-esteem and the what do I need to change about myself mentality. Um, how can we acknowledge and maneuver through the, the potential pressure to be perfect on the internet, like so many people feel the need to be. Yeah.

Speaker 2: 9:21

I think one thing that comes to mind for me is, and this could be a hard approach, but just the community of it all. Mm-hmm . <affirmative> , you know, whether it's through family, friends, like constantly being present for one another. Yeah. That motivator, reminding each other regardless of what you see online. You know, you're beautiful, you're this, you're that. Like, just, I think that constant drive is what's needed. That reassurance basically of , you know, you have, you're adequate enough, you have what you need in the moment. You are a teen. So there's so many years where you can build that. And it doesn't have to be that instant achievement that, you know, the internet may depict.

Speaker 1: 9:55

Right. And I think too, it's important especially for parents and guardians to make sure they keep the lines of communication with these teenagers open so they're not completely shut off with their phone for the majority of the day. You know, make sure they're still human interaction, make sure that you're still spending family time. For

Speaker 2: 10:13

Sure. For

Speaker 1: 10:13

Sure. And making time for things in this rat race that we all live in when it can be hard. You know , I think it's important that we make sure that we do that. Oh,

Speaker 2: 10:21

For sure. Especially with that non-judgmental stance too, of like, my door is open if you wanna talk about anything. Yes . You won't be judged for it.

Speaker 1: 10:29

Right. Yeah, completely. Um, so if you're not on your phone constantly mm-hmm . <affirmative> , and I've heard people say this before, I feel like I'm missing out. Yes . Like I feel like I don't know what's going on if I'm not on social media. Um, like the world's kind of moving on with without me. Yeah. <laugh> , uh, what are some ways to kind of stay informed without completely having to rely on social media? Yeah.

Speaker 2: 10:52

I think ways to stay informed, which, if you're in the community, I know our community now is doing a great job with, hey, this is a list of events. Mm-hmm . <affirmative> , these are things that you can attend, things of that nature. Which some of those things I think require social media, but they , I think it comes with limiting yourself. Right. Right . Of like, maybe I'll log on, see if, you know, the city of Monroe, west Monroe said, Hey, this is what we're doing in June. Mm-hmm . <affirmative> and I just jotted down, or the news, even though I know for some people the news brings that feeling of oh my gosh, it's everything at one time. Yeah . So I think it's just really being intentional of what you're searching for. Mm-hmm . <affirmative> . So if it's, Hey, I want more community events, do you kind of stop by a local place, chime in, Hey, what do you guys have available? Right . If it's something weather related , do you just limit yourself of 30 minutes in the morning, I'll see what the weather's looking like, and then I'll log off

Speaker 1: 11:44

Mm-hmm. <affirmative> and I , yeah. I think that goes back to just, you know, you've gotta have discipline. Exactly . Yeah . And you've gotta have wines for yourself mm-hmm . <affirmative> that you say, okay, I am not willing to cross this line. Like on this week I'm not gonna do social media at all. Yeah . Maybe, or, you know, I'm gonna limit myself Yes . To an hour a day mm-hmm. <affirmative> . And when I go over that, I'm gonna, you know, it takes self-control, but I'm gonna not, I'm not gonna do it anymore after that. Exactly. You know, I think it just takes, and like going back to teenagers, it's hard for them to do that for themselves. Mm-hmm . <affirmative> . So that's kind of where they need somebody in their lives who's willing to help them do that. Yeah.

Speaker 2: 12:20

The structure of like, it's okay. You know. Yeah.

Speaker 1: 12:23

Um, do you have any strategies for establishing like healthy limits on screen time? Mm-hmm . <affirmative> , um, online activities.

Speaker 2: 12:30

Usually if it's like kid and parent, I almost kind of introduce them to what screen time limits look like mm-hmm . <affirmative> , because you do for certain ages, if it's age appropriate, you can have where you set up like 10 minutes on Instagram or 30 minutes on Facebook, 30 minutes on TikTok . So I think just really being intentional and strategic of how you go about setting those times and that discipline of like, Hey, I'm giving you an hour, use it wisely. Or whatever it might be. I think also just having conversations of what screen time serves even for a teen . Is it , this is my only escape and I need that. Just really exploring their rationale. So for some people it may be, well this is my self care . So having conversations of what can I do to limit that screen time and help you achieve that satisfaction in other places.

Speaker 1: 13:18

Right. Exactly. Like, let's explore new things. Mm-hmm . <affirmative> , let's try something new that might bring you the same satisfaction. Yes. Um, and I know too , um, with most phones mm-hmm . <affirmative> , you know, the , the parent can go in and say like, okay, after whatever, yeah . O'clock. Yeah . Nothing on your phone's gonna work

Speaker 2: 13:36

Anymore . It's done. Yeah. <laugh> . So

Speaker 1: 13:37

This is how long that you get. Yes . Because I know a lot of my former students would tell me, you know, they just sit up and scroll TikTok in their bed till three just 'cause they couldn't sleep. Yeah . And my thought is why bet that you couldn't sleep? Because Yeah . You have a bright phone , it's a rabbit hole in your face . Yeah . <laugh> , I mean, and it's , you know, so yeah, I think the , the screen time is super important. Mm-hmm . <affirmative> , I mean for adults too, let's face it. Oh

Speaker 2: 14:01

Yes.

Speaker 1: 14:02

'cause I mean, a lot of adults can stay on their phone all day too. Mm-hmm . <affirmative> if they didn't have to go to work or if they didn't have responsibility. So I think it goes for everybody. Oh, for

Speaker 2: 14:10

Sure. I'm guilty of that. Like TikTok wormhole where I'm like, it's been five hours. Like

Speaker 1: 14:15

<laugh> . Yes. Like, it , it goes by so fast and you don't even realize that you've been there with your face and your phone for Yes , yes . However long. It's , that's crazy. Um, what do you think about creating tech free zones? Maybe like , um, an unplugged time in your house. Mm-hmm . <affirmative> , what do you think about that?

Speaker 2: 14:34

I like that idea. I think it implements sort of a routine and an expectation of like, this is our downtime. It's a tech free zone. So I think it just really, it's probably different for each family or each team , but I think it could be beneficial and it could also be used to the family's advantage, right. Of if this is our tech free zone, are we using this time to be quiet or game night conversation, someone bring up something that you , that's bothering you, that's concerning you. So I think just setting the foundation of what could this, how could this be beneficial? Mm-hmm. <affirmative>. Because a lot of times as a kid, if I heard tech free , I'm gonna freak out of like, like , so you're taking my phone away and Yeah . What are we gonna do after that? Yeah . So I think setting that and just letting them know, hey, it's a creative hour where you can still get what you need just without your technology. Mm-hmm.

Speaker 1: 15:23

<affirmative> . And I think, like you said, it's different for every family. I know. Um, one of the ways that we spend time together in my house mm-hmm . <affirmative> , my husband and our two kids, is we pick a TV show. Yes . And we watch an episode or two together every night that we can mm-hmm. <affirmative>. And , um, it's not like a rule . I mean, my kids don't have phones. It's not like a rule that we won't look at our phone during the show mm-hmm. <affirmative>. But if we do, our kids are like , mommy, daddy, put your phone down, watch the show. It's , you know , like that's our time . You know , like I said, that looks different for everybody. It could be at dinner, like, don't bring your phone into the , the kitchen. Right . You know, let's eat and talk. You know, and that's kind of what we do is we just pick out a show together. And I love that .

Speaker 2: 16:01

And

Speaker 1: 16:01

So, yeah. I think it's different for everybody, but I think it can be done. Mm-hmm. <affirmative> , I mean obviously it's easy for me right now 'cause my kids don't even have a phone. Right.

Speaker 2: 16:09

<laugh> and they

Speaker 1: 16:09

Stay on top of me like, mommy, don't get on your phone right now. <laugh> . Yes .

Speaker 2: 16:12

I love that though because they're like, this is our routine. Like , what are

Speaker 1: 16:15

You doing?

Speaker 2: 16:15

Don't mess it up.

Speaker 1: 16:17

Um, so how can we teach this next generation mm-hmm . <affirmative> to be intentional about the way that they use technology?

Speaker 2: 16:25

Yes. I think exactly what you said, like I love even using just how you've described your family as an example. It's just accountability, setting expectations before it spirals. And I know a lot of us are all in deep with technology right now. So I think just allowing them to realize that there's outlets, there's other options, or even if it takes a redirection of it's okay. Like how about today we try the tech free zone for 30 minutes and we work our way up. Mm-hmm . <affirmative> . So I think really just setting foundation for what life could look like without that full on attachment to a technology.

Speaker 1: 16:58

Right. And maybe kind of start to change your mindset a little bit mm-hmm . <affirmative> and , and think, okay, I am gonna get on Instagram or TikTok right now. Yeah . But I'm not gonna allow myself to lose myself in this Yes . At all and sit here for three hours. Like I'm just gonna kind of see what's going on mm-hmm . <affirmative> and have the self-discipline Yes . To not do it for three hours,

Speaker 2: 17:21

You know ? Exactly. Yeah. Kinda limiting . Yeah . Yeah.

Speaker 1: 17:24

Um, and it takes guidance too, like mm-hmm . <affirmative> , if if we do that at home, our kids are gonna do it.

Speaker 2: 17:31

Oh, for sure. Yeah . I mean ,

Speaker 1: 17:32

We have to model the behavior that we want them to have also mm-hmm . <affirmative> . So if I can scroll TikTok for five hours on my couch, I can't accept my kids to not do this same thing. I mean, it takes self-discipline as a whole. Oh , for sure . Whole . The whole family. Like, it's gotta be a group effort, I think. Mm-hmm. <affirmative>.

Speaker 2: 17:47

Oh yeah. It's universal because Yeah . Even as an adult, like for me, TikTok Instagram really having a , I looked at my screen time, I'm like, oh wait a minute. Like, how did I have this child ?

Speaker 1: 17:58

I don't have mine turned off <laugh> .

Speaker 2: 17:59

<laugh> . It's like, I'm , I'm just not gonna look at it. Yeah. Yeah. I get you <laugh> . Yeah .

Speaker 1: 18:04

Um, so we know it's important to nurture real life relationships and face-to-face interactions. Mm-hmm. <affirmative> , do you have tips for fostering deeper connections with like, friends, family, colleagues, other students at school? Um, and just community in general beyond the digital? Yeah.

Speaker 2: 18:24

Yeah. I love meetups or just networking events in general. Mm-hmm . <affirmative> , like I'm that person that'll just like show up and talk to anyone Uhhuh . But I think more opportunities, which both Monroe, west Monroe, they've been doing an awesome job with setting things up. So I think if we had even more teen related activities, there's a lot of groups that are open or book clubs, things that tailor to whatever teens they're interested in. Mm-hmm. <affirmative> , I think just really allowing them to foster connections and even as adults, maybe leading by example of, Hey, I heard about this group, do you need me to go with you? Or let's look into what you're interested in. So really just introducing them to life beyond technology and showing them that it's possible.

Speaker 1: 19:03

And I , I agree. And I think , um, that's why sports and school activities can be so beneficial. Yeah. Um, you know, if you're in the band, well, you're gonna devote time to that mm-hmm . <affirmative> every Friday night at a game . Yes . And all during the week,

Speaker 2: 19:16

Practice week. Yeah .

Speaker 1: 19:16

Same with football, you know, dance, tennis, whatever it may be. Mm-hmm . <affirmative> , those things give these kids a chance to be with each other Yes . Without a phone. Exactly . In a sport or in some kind of an activity where they're having to work together to achieve a goal. Mm-hmm . And I think that is just awesome. One of the best things, especially today with the phones and the technology that we have. Yes . Um, you know, it's funny, I , uh, a friend of mine and my husband's his younger brother, very, very early twenties. Um, and we've talked about before, like, why don't you have a girlfriend? You know mm-hmm . <affirmative> like , and he is like, well, I've talked to this one girl and, and we're like, well, where'd y'all go? Like , well, we don't go anywhere. Like we just talk on Snapchat, <laugh> . And I'm like, but take her somewhere. Do so something. Yeah . You know , like, y'all go out together face to face mm-hmm . <affirmative> and that age is just really not comfortable with that. Yeah . I mean they , they don't do it like we did when we were, you know , late teens, early teens . Right .

Speaker 2: 20:15

I don't think we had a choice. It was like we're going to the mall and the movies. Yep .

Speaker 1: 20:19

And , and who we see there is who we're gonna hang out with. <laugh> , literally

Speaker 2: 20:22

<laugh> , it's like, whatcha you doing at Applebee's? Like, okay , let's sit together.

Speaker 1: 20:25

Yeah. Um, they're, they're less comfortable with that face-to-face. Mm-hmm . <affirmative> just 'cause they've done it less and it's because they've had more access to technology and social media than we did when we were Oh, for sure. And I , I hate to see that it has done that, but it has made the younger generation less and less able to talk to people face to face . Mm-hmm . <affirmative> . And, and the only way that you can get better at that is just by doing it.

Speaker 2: 20:49

Oh, for sure. For sure. And

Speaker 1: 20:50

You're just not very comfortable to , to do it. Yes . But , um,

Speaker 2: 20:53

Yeah. 'cause I think the internet is somewhat their confidence, right? Mm-hmm . <affirmative> , like I think from TikTok to the dances and the skits and things that we see, I don't think younger me would've fully been able to jump out there and do that. Mm-hmm. <affirmative> . So I think it has created a confidence for them that we do have to reassure and back up with. That's awesome. Like, if you can do that online, you can do it on stage at a play , you can do this somewhere else. Like there's so much potential to broaden your horizons. Yeah,

Speaker 1: 21:22

I agree completely. Um , so how can we really convince our kids who would completely disagree with us? Probably Yeah . <laugh> that it's important for them to be involved in activities that promote wellbeing and personal growth that is not technology related . Yeah. I mean , how do you get 'em to do it?

Speaker 2: 21:44

Honestly, transparency without judgment or without feeling like I'm condemning you for your technology use. Right. So a lot of teens, if you're like, you need to get off that phone, they're automatically defensive. 'cause we don't know what purpose it serves for them. So I think just really being transparent with, Hey, I want you to have what, what your time. That means you know, the world of you, but what about this, what about that? Like maybe even describing the benefits of network connections or just getting out, playing sports, getting fresh air , even screen time. A lot of times you really have to show them this is what it could cause. Mm-hmm . <affirmative> , I'm not trying to take it away from you, but let's talk about this. What are some things that even maybe as parents or friends that we could do more of that'll help you branch out a little bit more?

Speaker 1: 22:31

Mm-hmm. <affirmative>. I like that. I like what you said about we don't know what purpose it serves for them. Mm-hmm. <affirmative> , um, that's a really good point that I think I haven't really thought of. And most parents probably haven't really thought of. Like the relationship they have with it is really not one that we completely understand. Yeah . And so to just snatch it from under them is very offensive. Mm-hmm . <affirmative> . And I think the why is very important. Even though they might not agree with you completely, if you can make them see Yeah . The why and, and you know, the consequences.

Speaker 2: 23:01

There's a level . Yeah .

Speaker 1: 23:02

Yeah. Like meet in the middle and talk it out mm-hmm . <affirmative> and I think that's super important . Important. Yes. Um, so I think it's important too for us to find a way to utilize technology as a tool for self-care mm-hmm . <affirmative> instead of like a cause of stress. Yes. Um, so what exactly is self-care? I mean, that is your field of expertise. Yes , for sure. I think, can you kind of elaborate on what self-care would look like? Yes .

Speaker 2: 23:27

I think self-care is anything that serves you mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally. Right. I think a lot of times when I was first introduced to self-care as a kid, it was like, so are we gonna go to the park? Are we gonna go to the spa? Like just basic things of if I can take this trip, I'll be okay. But a lot of times once you come back from vacation, you're still faced with everything you left when you went. Yeah . So I think self-care is just, it's universal. It's holistic of what can I do from the inside out? So it could be, hey, if you limit your screen time, you'll have more energy. Your headaches may go away, the strain from your body may, you may feel more relaxed. Mm-hmm . <affirmative> . So I think self-care is really what's needed in the moment. And even allowing our teens to see that self-care could be, I don't know, like I opened a bank account and now I'm saving money, I'm conscientious about my future, or I'm eating healthier, traveling all of these things, fostering in-person connections or even having conversations online. So I think self-care could be any of those things in any of those moments that serves that purpose. Mm-hmm. <affirmative> , but just really defining, you know, healthy self-care versus negative coping skills.

Speaker 1: 24:37

Right. I agree. And, and yeah, I think self-care looks a little different for everybody. Mm-hmm . <affirmative> . But I like what you said about opening the bank account and saving money because mm-hmm . <affirmative> , while that might not feel like self-care to some teenagers, I mean, when you set goals mm-hmm . <affirmative> and reach milestones and stuff like that, I mean, it's like a , a snowball effect. Yes . You just want to do more of that. Yes . You're like, you know, you feel a sense of achievement mm-hmm . <affirmative> when you've made a goal and then you're like , all right , let's set another one. Yes. Let's do another or I or working out mm-hmm. <affirmative> , you know, like, I , I was able to do this in the gym today, like that was a goal of mine. Now I'm gonna set a new one. Exactly. You know, and I think that just feeds the mind and, and can be a form of self-care too. Definitely . You having aspirations and , and things like that. Um, I think self-care is super important and being able to find self-care outside of technology too. Mm-hmm . <affirmative> , um, I've found in my own life, yes. A lot of times I don't wanna go outside mm-hmm . <affirmative> , like I don't do well with the heat. Same <laugh> , but a couple or a co a couple weeks ago, me and my two kids mm-hmm . We went outside and we all rode scooters together. Oh . For like an hour. Yes . And I'm not gonna lie to you, I didn't wanna do it. Yeah . It was really hot. It was like ,

Speaker 2: 25:46

It's like 96 degrees

Speaker 1: 25:48

And we went and it was so fun. Mm-hmm . <affirmative> like, and when we were done, I was so glad that we did that. Yeah. And I thought we needed to do this more. Yeah . It's quality time , you know , it's just little things. Yeah . Yeah. Um, so I think I've pretty much wrapped up all of our questions. Mm-hmm . <affirmative> , do you have anything else you wanna add to the listeners to , or tell the listeners before we wrap up? Yeah.

Speaker 2: 26:08

I think my biggest thing is just take care of yourself. And so we've been talking about self care , but even for our teens, like it's so vital, like you said, some things we might not know that contributes to adulthood of like, why am I opening a savings account? Or why am I working out? Why am I eating healthier? Just realizing like taking care of yourself, big picture style. Mm-hmm . <affirmative> of how is this gonna affect me longevity-wise , you know, as I continue to grow mm-hmm . <affirmative> , and I think just for families, even for parents, is allowing your teen to utilize their voice. Mm-hmm . <affirmative> , because initially I think that's what it is. Right. Essentially the internet gave our kids a space to be heard or to speak freely, right . When saying, I no longer have to hold it in. Mm-hmm. <affirmative> . So I think creating space, nurturing a space where the family in general can utilize their voice and it's not detrimental, but instead it's healing. It's repair, really learning each other. Yeah.

Speaker 1: 27:01

I love that. I think that's wonderful information. Um, well that brings us to the end of our enlightening discussion on digital detox and reclaiming our time in the digital age. We hope this episode has inspired you to reflect on your relationship with technology and empowered you to make positive changes in your digital habits. Remember the power to reclaim our time and build healthy relationships with technology lies in our hands. Let's embrace the freedom to disconnect, to be present, and to nurture meaningful connections in our lives. We encourage you to take the first step towards a digital detox by setting realistic goals and implementing small changes in your daily routine. Remember, it's not about eliminating technology entirely, but about finding a healthy balance that aligns with your values and wellbeing. As always, we appreciate your support and engagement. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and share it with others who might benefit from our discussions. We value your feedback, so please leave us a review and let us know your thoughts. Stay connected with Centric on our website and at my centric on all social media platforms for more valuable resources, tips, and updates. We're here to support you on your journey towards digital wellbeing and a healthier, more fulfilling life. Until next time, remember to live intentionally, find balance, and embrace the joy of being present in the offline world. Thank you for tuning into the Live Better podcast by centric Federal Credit Union.