Each year it seems that our need to be in the know and our desperation to be on our phones and on social media continues to grow and grow. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve started to slowly recognize the tiny bit of me that is disgusted by my need to be on my phone, as well as my need to decompress and to not want to know what every single person has or hasn’t liked on Facebook or Instagram in a day. For most of us, it’s hard to get away from the trials of our days and it’s hard to stay off of social media, let alone just wind down from whatever is going on in our lives. So as this holiday season starts to roll around, it’s important to take time away from social media and leave yourself time to spend with family and relax your mind while you can. Here are five things you can do to savor your vacation time and not check your Instagram.
1. Help your mom or dad with the holiday cooking.
Whether your mom is the chef in the family or your dad’s the go-to for turkey roasting, it never helps to spend more time with your family by helping them cook the large holiday dinner you’ll be serving to the rest of your crazy family. Not only does it keep you from checking your phone every two seconds, it allows you to feel like you’ve spent some quality time with your loved ones.
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2. Visit with old friends.
If you’re like me, then you don’t get to see your old friends from your hometown very often. When you come home, it’s the perfect opportunity to go see and catch up with old friends! Sitting on your phone and liking their posts just isn’t the same as quality one-on-one time with people you’ve known for so long. Take the time out of your break to spend time with people you miss.
3. Use some good ol’ pet therapy.
Being in college, I only get to see my dogs every so often, but when I do, all I want to do is spend time with them and remind them how much I love them. Sitting on my phone just isn’t worth it when I only get a certain amount of time with my furry friends.
4. Catch up with siblings.
Sometimes, we forget that our siblings have lives too. For instance, my brother is a senior in high school and is starting to apply to colleges. I sometimes forget to ask him how he’s doing and what he’s looking forward to, and the holidays give me a good chance to do just that.
5. Spend time with extended family.
The holidays have always been thought of as the time to visit and be with family, far past just your immediate family members. This holiday season, remember to put in the time with your grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins that you don’t get to see very often. If you can’t visit, try skyping or facetiming!
Use any of these reasons as an excuse to take quality time to yourself and spend time with friends and family; be thankful for the people in your life and unwind from the social media that makes us feel as if we’re involved in everyone’s life. Happy Holidays!
