Finding Digital Balance
Hello friends! Between ongoing notifications and the temptation to check our text or email messages, it’s easy for technology to begin taking over our lives. Many people spend over six hours daily online, consuming a large part of their waking time. What about you? Have you ever opened a message intending a quick glance, only to realize an hour (or two!) has passed? Left unchecked, digital clutter crowds out rest, reflection, and quality time with God and others.
I learned this personally. In the past, I would half-listen to someone I love while texting someone else. I was physically present but emotionally absent. That realization deeply convicted me. Now, I take out my earbuds and put my phone aside so the other person knows I’m interested in what they are saying. Our presence is one of the greatest gifts we can give – and people know when you aren’t really connecting with them.
When we are constantly on our devices, we train our brains for distraction rather than depth. Quick hits of information and continuous scrolling stimulate dopamine reward loops, yet make it harder to focus. Over time, our capacity for quietness weakens, and we can begin living someone else’s life online instead of the reality of our own. Scripture says, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.” (Psalm 37:7) but this becomes difficult when endless alerts pull us in a thousand directions. Technology desensitizes us to the Holy Spirit, leading to spiritual dryness and distance from our Creator.
We can find a healthy digital balance, although it takes intention and practice. As you may know, I love to start each day having with Coffee With Jesus, spending time in prayer, reading Scripture, and practicing gratitude which sets the tone for the day. I get up early, which allows me to relax and prepare for what’s ahead. I’ve found other simple strategies help: avoiding phones during meals, skipping late-night scrolling, leaving devices in another room while sleeping, and practicing a Digital Sabbath—set apart hours or a full day away from social media to reconnect with live-giving relationships.
Bottom line: this is about letting God lead in a screen-filled world. In my opinion, tending your soul is as important as managing your time. Mindful pauses over round-the-clock scrolling create space to hear His voice instead of the world’s noise. It honors Him. We are blessed as our focus is protected, real friendships are nurtured and we stay spiritually grounded. By making thoughtful choices with your devices each day, you can cultivate a more balanced life. After all, it’s way too good to scroll past!
Coaching Connection:
- Which digital habits pull you away from meaningful relationships or quiet time?
- What one change with technology could you make in your daily routine to create more balance?
To Your Growth,
Photo by Kerde Severin Pexels
This is 100% true…
Thank you for being vulnerable and honest about your struggles .. I can relate..
✝️😊🦋
Thank you, Heide – in this digital age, finding a healthy balance with our devices is crucial!
I recently read that the reason we constantly check our phones is that we’re lonely and hoping that someone has sent us a message or wants to chat. That makes sense when we’re alone, but I don’t know why people are compelled to bury themselves in their phone when they’re sitting around with friends or family. It’s one thing if you want to look up a fact relevant to your conversation, but totally different if it’s instead of the conversation!
My biggest challenge in this regard is if I pick up my phone or tablet for a specific purpose, only to get distracted and spend way more time there than intended. Not sure about the solution though!
Janet, I can also relate to this challenge. I know you said you aren’t sure about the solution. Perhaps a reflection question might help you figure it out. What tends to pull you away from your original purpose when you pick up your phone – and how quickly do you notice this happening?
I’m exploring a bit of digital detoxing during Lent this month. Trying to avoid certain sites that I tend to doom scroll on. I’ve also made a change in the car, listening only to music instead of news, which isn’t really about digital balance but it is about making space for God.
Right now I am on vacation. We have been out of power for much of the day, so I just sat and stared at the ocean and listened to see what God had for me. There were no big headlines, but I feel my brain slowing down and my soul inhaling … a wonderful feeling that I need to seek more often.
I’ve grown to love the amazing feeling of freedom when I intentionally slow down and put my phone aside. It’s like my whole body takes a sigh of relief! Thanks for sharing, Seana – I appreciate your feedback.