The holiday season is ramping up. No matter one’s religious or family affiliations it is usually a busy time of the year. There can be a lot of excitement and expectation (good and not so good), noise, pressure, activity and sometimes anxiety and sadness.
More of my clients have been struggling with being connected to their phones and other devices. It affects sleep. It is depressing. It can be hard to turn off. Social media can suck us into almost constant input. Phones are useful tools but also as addictive as nicotine.
So – what to do about our shrinking attention spans and constant scrolling? I think this time of year provides opportunities to turn away from the digital and connect more with what’s real.
An episode of the Financial Feminist I listened to recently suggested ways to end 2025 feeling hopeful. What was interesting was that nothing she suggested involved spending more time online. So – here are some ideas for getting more real experiences into your life.
- Go to a community event
- Call someone you haven’t talked to for awhile
- Visit someone
- Shop at a local craft fair or farmers’ market
- Read a book
- Make something with your hands
- Do something physical – walk, dance, swim, wiggle
- See women play sports
- Get into nature
- Watch the snow fall
- Join others – in protest, prayer or song
- Experience art, music or live performance
- Do something alone (no earbuds, no photos)
- Volunteer and give back
I guarantee that any of these activities will enhance your day. As a new year begins it may also prompt reflection: Is your online life getting in the way of real connection, quiet, focus, or choosing how and when you engage with the world?
I encourage you to get real. Happy holidays and all the best for 2026!