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What is the Summer Solstice?
The summer solstice in 2024 will be on Thursday, June 20th, and will be the longest day and shortest night of the year. It will continue to shorten by a few seconds each day until the winter solstice. Historically, the summer solstice has been a time of celebration, rituals and traditions.
Realigning priorities during a summer solstice check-in
Like the tradition of setting goals for the new year, the summer solstice offers an opportunity for mid-year reflection. Whether you live in New York, Chicago, or along the West Coast from San Diego to Portland, summer is an ideal time to enjoy the outdoors, especially when the kids are out of school. But it’s becoming increasingly difficult to disconnect from the internet and the constant connectivity that cell phones, tablets, and other wireless devices provide.
Use this summer as an opportunity to reassess your technology usage and make sure it isn’t taking over your free time in harmful ways. It’s also an opportunity to reevaluate your internet costs, especially if you’re looking for ways to save money on your home internet bill. Consider options for using technology in ways that better balance your health and your wallet.
3 ways to use the internet to reach your health goals
If you’re looking to use your home internet to improve your work-life balance, reset your online habits, and benefit from a more intentional relationship with technology, try these ways to combine home Wi-Fi and your health.
Try a digital detox
A digital detox may sound daunting, but you don’t have to completely cut yourself off from the internet. For many of us who rely on our phones for work, schedules, and more, a full digital detox is nearly impossible. Of course, it’s important to maintain access to Wi-Fi hotspots when needed. But there are some detox methods that can accommodate your existing internet needs.
- Blocking holidays: Start small at first. Tailor your technology weaknesses to purposefully disconnect from the internet for an hour or two a day. For example, if you tend to procrastinate in the evening, choose that time to put away all screens. Worried you’ll give in to temptation? Unplug your Wi-Fi router to prevent online access. When Wi-Fi isn’t working, you’ll be obliged to engage in other activities. Plugging your router back in has the added benefit of clearing the cache as the reboot improves your internet speed.
- Try the Focus App: Apps like Opal and Forest are designed to boost productivity and focus, allowing you to customize your access to technology. You can block the entire internet or just specific distracting websites. Plus, you can schedule times when you want to stay focused, like during work hours. These apps are compatible with all internet connection types and service providers, including Xfinity, Spectrum, T-Mobile, and Verizon Fios.
- Weekend Warrior: If your goal is to strengthen your relationships, a weekend digital detox is a bold way to accelerate your progress. Taking 48 hours without looking at a screen between work can be hard at first, but if you persevere, not only will it feel great, it’ll also give you time to reflect on your dependency on technology and how it affects the time you spend with friends and family.
Use the app intentionally
We don’t all need to turn away from the internet or TV to make a positive change in how technology impacts our lives. Maybe you’re struggling to turn off your digital devices, but your goal is to improve your focus and mindfulness. Here’s how you can effectively incorporate goal-driven apps into your lifestyle to help you achieve your goals.
- Identify areas of focus: Choose the challenges you want to tackle, but avoid focusing on too many habits at once, as this can become too overwhelming. Areas of focus could include sleep, mental health, habit modification, fitness, nutrition, etc. You could also prioritize a new hobby or skill you want to master.
- Choose your app: Search the App Store or Google Play to find an app that suits your needs. There are plenty of free and subscription-based apps that work with almost any download speed. All you need to get started is a phone or tablet and a cheap internet plan. Some of the most popular options include Calm and Headspace for mindfulness and breathing, Fabulous and Tangerine for routine and habit optimization, and BetterSleep and RISE for sleep tracking.
- Be consistent: The key to sustaining effective change is consistency, not speed. Continuing steady practice and holding yourself accountable is the best way to make a new routine stick. Use your workout app at the same time each day and set an alarm on your phone as a reminder. Set up your home Wi-Fi with a fiber optic provider, cable internet, or 5G connection to ensure you have adequate internet speeds for your apps and online habit trackers.
Get motivation and support from an online community
Online communities can help you achieve your summer goal of using technology mindfully by connecting you with like-minded people and relevant events and activities in your area. If you’re feeling isolated, online support from others with the same interests can help you keep technology balanced and motivated to enjoy even more screen-free summer fun. Use these tips to start connecting with your community:
- Find a group: Facebook groups, Reddit, and LinkedIn are great platforms to connect with people who share your interests, like gardening or traveling. Connect online with people who share your interests with a no-contract internet plan. Find local outdoor activities and events in your city, like fun runs, farmers’ markets, and fairs.
- Build connections: Reliable, high-speed internet helps you build relationships with online communities that lead to real-world adventures. You can share and receive tips and knowledge about the best parks, splash pads, trails, waterfalls, and other hidden gems. Local parent and mommy groups are great for organizing playdates and discovering new screen-free activities in your area.
Summer Solstice Recap: Balancing the Internet and Your Health
The summer solstice is an opportunity to re-evaluate your priorities and enjoy the outdoors. It can be hard to disconnect from constant connectivity, with all the appeal of streaming and gaming. Consider methods like a digital detox, using productivity apps, or joining online communities for support and motivation. These strategies can help you integrate your technology use with your wellness goals, ensuring that technology enhances, rather than detracts from, your quality of life.
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