I wanted an easier, more old-fashioned summer.
I didn’t want to overschedule every minute with adorable but stressful Pinterest-inspired arts, crafts, and games.
So, I’m kinda doing nothing at all.
How I freed up my time to enjoy life:
This is what I did:
- I removed Facebook and all other social media apps from my iPhone and iPad (except Instagram – let’s not get crazy, k?)
- No blogging – I quit writing for other blogs and sites. I left all my online groups. I deleted an entire email account. I unsubscribed from every email list. It’s refreshing not worrying about Facebook groups, Google+ communities, liking pages, sharing on social media if I don’t want to. I’m still online, just much less and more naturally – posting things I find funny, interesting, relevant, important. I don’t have an agenda. I’m still writing a blog post about once a week. You know? Most bloggers are kinda shallow and unprofessional. I’m just tired of it all. I don’t want to play games. I’m updating older posts with better images or deleting posts that aren’t any good at all. I may take a longer break from being online when that’s completed.
- Time off from sports and extracurricular activities. It’s nice to relax and play with no schedule.
What I’m doing with all my time:
- Reading more
- Bible study
- Natural living education courses
- Playing with my kids more
- Listening to my kids
- Evening time with my husband
- Exercising more
- Healthier eating
- Outside time to soak up the sun and fresh air
Good benefits:
- Better mood
- Sleeping more soundly
- Less stress
- Better digestion
- Clearer skin!
My husband commented at dinner the other night that I’ve been in a such great mood, more cheerful lately and he likes it. I know I have neglected my family with striving to do more online and it’s just not worth it.
We have the freedom to travel whenever we want. Having fewer commitments during the week and evenings makes everything easier to plan. I love looking at my empty calendar. Weekends are for fun trips to see castles, churches, hiking, picnics, parks. The kids haven’t had to ask me once to put my phone down or walk away from the computer to do something with them. I am available and willing.
The first few days were really hard.
My mornings were almost panic-attack-worthy when I didn’t have any emails to check and there were no notifications to investigate on social media. I felt unneeded.
And that is kinda the whole point.
My family needs me more than strangers online.
What our easy summer schedule looks like:
7:30 Wake up
Breakfast
Clean up
Bible, History, Science, Latin lessons
12:00 Lunch
Clean up
Arts and crafts or indoor playtime
Outside playtime
6:00 Dinner
Clean up
Family time
Read aloud and Bible study time
9ish Bedtime
Results:
I’m focusing on what’s most important.
We’re all cheerful, well rested, eager to learn and explore. Our attitudes are just generally great the last couple weeks.
I like having fewer responsibilities and not having to rush anywhere.
I don’t think this has to be just for summer either!
Linking up: Rich Faith Rising, Burlap and Babies, A Life in Balance, Mommy Crusader, xoxoRebecca, ABC Creative Learning, Simple Life of a Fire Wife, A Bowl Full of Lemons, WonderMom Wannabe, Happy and Blessed Home, Suzanne Eller,
I’m glad you were able to carve out more time for yourself and your family! We are fairly new empty nesters (for the last 3 years). We have LOADS of time now! But I remember how hectic things were when the kids were home (and we have only 2!). Thanks so much for sharing your experience with us at the Inspire Me Mondays Link-Up!
Yes, I feel we must value our time and prioritize. We have to teach the kids to budget time as well. I can’t imagine having so much free time. Do you travel lots? That’s what I hope to do!
I think I need to do more of this too – I like the idea of deleting those Apps from my life in particular…. Thanks for linking up to the Parenting Pin it Party. Cheers, Helen
It was like addiction withdrawal removing those apps! But it’s oh, so worth it! My kids are super happy to see my face more!
While it’s been refreshing to not be on Facebook for a short season it’s hard when everyone you know is on it and share their lives so publicly that you fill like you miss out. I’ve resurrected the pen, paper, and found some stamps and starting to write letters and updates. Thank you for sharing.
yes, it’s sometimes difficult feeling like I’m missing out, but I filter my relationships online and in real life, so it’s gotten easier.
Lots of wisdom here. It is important to stop and evaluate how we use our time and to make sure we are there for the people in our lives. Visiting from Live Free Thursday.
It’s hard, because this is my job. I can’t say goodbye to it. But I can feel that addictive siren when it comes. I do have to make that effort to be present to those I love. I love what you say about being less stressful with the kids. Yes. you just need that focus. Good ideas. We have pretty much an empty nest now too, and it flies. (But of course, not every day!)