This Week on "Workaholics"...

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With a huge majority you voted on my Instagram story for "Digital detox tips". Well hell yes, since I received the "gentle feedback" from my 4 year old daughter at Mothers Day that "I don't like to play with her because I"m always working and I'm always on my phone". I decided it ends now.

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I even decided to built my entire professional future around it (you know me, let's take some risks). From a product (launching beginning of 2025) to a podcast with "Podcast producties " the production house of 50 Koffies and who knows maybe a magazine? Let me dream.

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It's official, I joined the podcast training from "Podcast producties". Why? I've been a huge podcast fan myself for years (while running, in the car, doing chores at the house). I've discovered a (for me) new topic and passion. I want to learn and talk about it, but options via social media are more limited (shorter format, less in-depth). I'm smart enough to realize that even if I listen to a lot of podcast, I could use some professional guidance, from 1 on 1 coaching to a podcast toolkit.

I really want to bring people with me in my journey of learning more about the effect of screens on our daily lives, on our brain and on our children. From the scientific to the emotional effects.

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On the practical side I've started implementing some new habits in my life. Step by step.

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Quote of the week

• Do your research: I read books (ontketen je brein (van je kind), digital minimalism ....) and I even wrote a part on it in "workaholics" . Be prepared to be shocked.
• Screen free mornings: I don't scroll on social media or emails before 8.30. I get out of bed, work out, get the kids ready and spend time with them. When they go to school / daycare I get my phone (for max.15 min). Additional tip: if you have an iphone add "screen time" and limit your apps. I promise you, you did not miss anything important by not scrolling for 30 min at 7 am.
• Screen free zones: When I get home and see my kids, I'll pay 100% attention to them and leave my phone at the door. Also no phones during dinner. I'll scroll when they go to bed.
• The 5 second rule: When I'm in the car, before a red light, my reflex is to immediately reach to my phone. It's like we cannot be "bored" anymore, not even for 30 seconds. Not only is it of course dangerous (I know I know), we're addicted. The phone is like a drug we cannot go without for more than a couple of minutes. I implemented the 5 second rule, each time I reach for my phone (without even thinking, it is a reflex), I'll count to 5.
• Batch screen activities: I'll reply to emails, whatsapp, instagram, Linkedin etc all at once for 5 min every half hour. I used to do 5 min every hour, but my addicted self could not. Working on that.

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Podcast of the week

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