Unplug and Unwind this Summer

Colleen Mallette shares ideas for activities families can use as they unplug this summer.

Summer is for playing, vacations, taking breaks from school/work, enjoying warm weather and nature, and time for family and friends. That is difficult to do when we are all attached to our electronic devices so many hours of the day. Whether it’s TV, YouTube on our laptops, video games, or the many apps and social media sites on our smartphones, people of all ages need to spend less time on them during the summer. Studies have shown that increased screen time during leisure increases unhappiness. The constant noise and isolation damages our relationships, use of time, and level of joy.

Let’s Unplug and Unwind!

Does the Bible tell us we need to limit our kids and ourselves from spending too much time on our phones? Of course not. But there are several verses that relate to what we SHOULD be doing with our time and attention. Loving our neighbor, taking care of widows and orphans and other acts of charity, working and not being idle (cf. Proverbs 31:27).

St. Paul also tells us in his letter to the Philippians that we are to take into our eyes, ears and minds only things that are “true, noble, just, pure, lovely, good … praiseworthy” (cf. Philippians 4:8). How many things that come across your screen on social media sites fit those categories? Hopefully the things you post do, so you don’t negatively influence others. It is up to us to set the example by only posting or forwarding positively worded messages that lift people up and don’t spread anger.

Jesus also left us a wonderful example of how to spend our days. He prayed alone and with others daily and especially on the Sabbath. He spent time with His family and friends. He did charitable works to help others. He was not demanding or selfish with His attentions. If the technology existed back then, I certainly find it hard to imagine Jesus wasting hours with His nose buried in a smartphone.

null

Click to tweet:
13 things families can do instead of playing on electronic devices. #catholicmom

I pray these tips help your family grow in holiness and togetherness rather than the isolation that too much screen time can cause.

Here are 13 things to do instead of being consumed with your devices:

Encourage your children to meet up with friends at your home or a park or playground.
Limit time on electronic devices to a certain hour early or late in the day and plan to enjoy the outdoors throughout the day (add a time limit to all devices if you can).
Plan activities or play sports with your kids in your yard or driveway.
Plant and maintain a garden together.
Go for walks, bike rides, or hikes.
Find a local pool or waterpark to enjoy on a hot day.
Check your local news for activities throughout the summer: library story times, festivals, outdoor concerts, or holiday activities.
Check your church bulletin or a neighboring church to participate in Vacation Bible School.
Volunteer at a local food bank, immigration center, or urban garden center in food desert areas.
Find a spiritual book to read together a little bit each day (about saints, holy days, or the life of Jesus). I highly recommend Brilliant! 25 Catholic Scientists, Mathematicians, and Supersmart People.
Check out CatholicMom’s Sunday Mass activities and coloring pages.
Visit local churches or shrines to share your faith with your family.
Attend daily Masses or pray the Rosary as a family in the evening (Fr. Peyton taught, “The family that prays together stays together!”)