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what is your favourite techtimeout activity?

I have a few techtimeout activities that I enjoy: running, cycling, reading and walking are all in my favourites but my absolute favourite are the moments when you can go and do an activity without any tech at all, lunch at a pub (without your phone!!) It’s liberating.

why are you passionate about techtimeout?

I have spent my career glued to my phone and laptop (often both at the same time!) I dread to think about my screentime over the past few years. The impact is serious, and no-one is talking about it and I genuinely feel that it’s a huge issue that needs bringing to the forefront.

what is your favourite techtimeout activity?

It’s got to be walking or running outside. It immediately removes the urge to check notifications and makes me focus on the present moment. There’s no way I could check my phone while running so it’s a great preventative!

In the evenings, I put my phone away to read – it really calms my mind and cures that dreaded feeling of overwhelm I often get if I’ve spent too long on my phone.

why are you passionate about techtimeout?

In my mind, we're all addicted to our phones in some way. It impacts people of all ages and for me, that’s what makes techtimeout so important.

The mental health of many young people is deteriorating because of social media, trolling and comparison culture. And, it affects the older generations too. We’ve all been given this fantastic tool in the palm of our hands and I think it’s time for us to be more conscious of the impact and set new boundaries about how we use it.

what is your favourite techtimeout activity?

For me, the greatest techtimeout activities are those where any temptation to look at my phone or be in front of a screen is completely wiped out. That's why one of my favourite things to do is road cycling.

When I go off into the hills, it can be hours until I even think about using my phone - and it's heaven! Plus, when I do check back in, it's more exciting to see what messages I have and using my phone again actually becomes a novelty!

why are you passionate about techtimeout?

I found that over the years we have so easily slipped into some really bad tech habits that are really difficult to get away from. I realised it had gone too far, when myself and my partner starting going out to dinner and would sit down and instantly get our phones out. I didn't like that whatever was happening on the phone, seemed more important than the moment and the conversations we could have been having.

Now, to resist temptation, I actually leave my phone at home when I can. Turns out, if you look up, there is a whole world out there!

what is your favourite techtimeout activity?

Absolutely anything that does not involve having my phone on me. Remove the phone and your experience - regardless of what you are doing - is different. Better different.

why are you passionate about techtimeout?

We spend too much time living through technology rather than connecting in real life. It's lazy and it distracts you from fully experiencing what is happening in that moment. And none of that is good for our mental health.

what is your favourite techtimeout activity?

My favourite techtimeout activity is running, but during lockdown I rediscovered cycling and I try to balance both activities during the week. I find they allow me to escape tech and allow the brain to process my current challenges.

why are you passionate about techtimeout?

I've always been led by data, and the data behind the increasing over-use of tech and the issues it can cause us both physical and psychological is worrying. I believe it's important that we consciously start developing healthier relationships with our technology to stave off some these issues before it's too late.

what is your favourite techtimeout activity?

Favourite techtimeout activity would have to be walking with my kids. We like nothing more than exploring the beautiful Shropshire countryside for a whole day with a picnic. There is so much to see if we just take the time and look up. We do take phones with us for geocaching which takes us places we would not normally find. We use our phones to benefit us but not distract us.

why are you passionate about techtimeout?

As a mother of a young family I have always been concerned about the impact of technology of the next generation. I feel that if we can demonstrate positive attitudes and highlight some of the issues towards the use of this amazing technology, we will be setting the next generation up to be better prepared of some of the traps of mindless scrolling we have fallen into.