Wednesday, September 29, 2010

This Week I'll Wear an Apron


Recurring. Distractions. Daily. Glenn showed me an article last month about technology and its effects on our brains. Turns out that each time we get a text, email, etc. a bit of Dopamine is released in our brains (yes, that feel good chemical that some drugs also release). I have begun wondering if that is the reason I feel like I am finishing what I have to do so I can get back to the computer and what I 'want' to do. Funny thing is that not much of what I do here is that important. At all. I pay some bills and budget, but most of the time I am checking emails, blogs, or Facebook.

This last Saturday's General Relief Society Conference mentioned 'overcoming distractions' as one of our challenges. That keeps coming back to mind as I come back to the computer.

So, this week I begin a little challenge... I'd call it an experiment, but I get more moxie if I call it a challenge. I'm turning off the computer and putting on an apron. I'll allow myself 30 minutes on the computer in the morning before kids are up, and 45 at night when they are back in bed. The rest of the day is about trying to be '100% in the room' for my family and home- literally wearing an apron to remind me (except when we go out in public!).

I officially begin in the morning (Thursday) when I get back from my run. We'll see how this goes...

9 comments:

Brooke said...

I love it! What a great idea. Maybe I'll try it in a similar form... Let us know how it goes.

Glennard said...

Wow thats ambitious! And inspiring! I ought to figure out what I could sacrifice t obe more 100% in the room. Oh, I know - i could quit doing these side projects.

TysonandMarthaGerber said...

What a great reminder. I loved how they talked about that. Limits are good.

Andrea said...

There are definitely benefits to not knowing how to text, or choosing not to answer my phone (makes my family crazy!). I try to limit the computer time to when the kids are asleep and i really like it. good luck with your new ambition....Smart to not just do a total cut-off.

Shauna said...

It's ON!

Sheri said...

What a fantastic idea! I think we all could benefit from this fun "challenge" of yours. I may join you... I just need to get me a cute apron.

Brianne & Jarod said...

I love it! Can't wait to hear the results!!

Jen said...

Great idea! I started something similar a few weeks ago, when I realized I came home from work and then immediately jumped into projects -- some online and some just around the house. Carving out 100% there time for my kids in the evenings has made a HUGE difference. And I haven't really missed all the busy work. Hope your rewards feel well worth it.

Heidi said...

I love that idea! Let me know how it works out for you!!!