Put it down and go outside

If you are like me and many other people and have a neurodivergent person in your life, you know the joys and challenges in this relationship. My personal and professional curiosity recently led me to a webinar on non-medication interventions for ADHD. 

The webinar was aimed at neurodivergent folks, people who love them, and clinicians working with them. The presenter was David Nowell, PhD, who provided loads of helpful information.

In the process, I became more aware of the disruptive influence of always having our phones nearby. I turned off notifications for many apps on my phone. I can always check, but I don’t have to be continually interrupted throughout the day. I feel a sense of peace that I didn’t realize I was missing. I hope this is helpful to you, too.

Check out these tips for improving self-regulation by reducing screen time that can be useful for neurotypical and neurodivergent folks alike:

1. Limit the amount of screen time and schedule social media use.
2. Seek out “Green Time” by being outside. This is not the same as exercise.
3. Notice when you reach for your device.
4. Remove apps from your device that you don’t need. Go to the website instead.
5. Move icons off your home page. One extra swipe can offer the opportunity to refrain.
6. Turn off notifications on all but critical apps
7. Consider a technology fast, which can change habitual use. 

Thanks for reading,

Leilani