I have the privilege of being able to talk to people all day everyday. Some are seasoned, some are young. All in different industries, engaging in different activities, and with an array of interests. There is something interesting that I’ve noticed a lot over the past year during many different conversations. There always seems to be at least one person each day that says “I wish I could disconnect..” or “I need to stop scrolling…” or even the sharp self reminder when they catch themselves opening their phone mid conversation… “I NEED TO GET OFF MY PHONE!”.
I’m a Millenial. I grew up briefly without technology, but we have been here since the beginning. It was woven into our education, jobs, and everyday lives. You have not really felt a sense of superiority like the feeling of removing someone from your top 5 on Myspace ( teenage years) or saying “per my last email” when forwarding the evidence of something that someone else has dropped the ball on (adulthood). I’ve been through so many stages of tech and the past 2 years, I finally hit a wall. I enjoy long format videos over reels, I enjoy podcasts, reading, etc. I would prefer to call someone instead of texting them, I don’t want to “hop on teams or zoom”. I crave more real and in person interactions. In a time of AI (a wonderful tool to some and the end of humanity to others) I crave authentic content and less perfect, unoriginal, and manufactured content. I may be in the minority, but I have a feeling ( based on the angry messages I receive when I share a businesses AI generated content) that I am not.
SO, in a time of many people trying to slow down and disconnect from the tech overload here are 6 Ways To Use Less Screen Time/ Tech with the help of Downtown Powell Businesses.
Get A Watch
Kimberly’s Diamond Corner has watches not only in stock but also to order. We highly recommend looking at the estate case for a timeless timepiece. No notifications to distract you, just good old fashion hands on a clock!
Engage In Analog Activities
Escape Into Fiction is an excellent source for non screen entertainment. They obviously carry book but they also carry puzzles, book nooks, games, and more! All excellent ways to cut back on scrolling.
Learn To Cook
The Recipe Cooking & Company makes learning to cook fun! Offering an array of classes, you can find inspiration and kick off your culinary era alone, with a partner, or with your friends/family.
Have A Phone Free Dinner
Pick any of our amazing restaurants, silence your phones (put them face down for added accountability), and simply interact only with the people right there with you. Enjoy your meal. Enjoy the company and conversation. You won’t be sorry for being fully present!
Take Up Golf
The Stag Room and X Golf offer the ability to golf year round. From leagues to casual gatherings or practicing each establishment has it’s own allure. The Stag room is perfect for those who want a more intimate feel, want to bring their own drinks and snacks, and don’t mind cleaning up after themselves. X Golf is perfect for those who want food and bar on site, enjoy a more communal feel, and are looking to have a more catered to experience.
Attend Events
I may be partial, but we have so many fun ways to get out and connect with others in the community! From live music at our local establishments to trivia and everything in between! Don’t sit at home and scroll, come to Downtown Powell and connect with others in the community! Check out our EVENTS page!
We know it is impossible to totally eliminate our phones, but these are just a fraction of the things we can suggest to help cut back on having to scroll. As a bonus we highly recommend checking out MY POWELL app! Cut down on having to scroll through the local Facebook pages, they have a lot of the same need to know info without all of the extra nonsense in between!