Originally published on AFW.com
By LaRae Richards
Phubbing (phone + snubbing) is defined as the annoying habit of ignoring someone while using a cell phone and it’s becoming more and more common. According to a survey conducted by James A. Roberts, a professor of Marketing at Baylor University Hankamer School of Business, “A whopping 46.3 percent of respondents said their partners phubbed them...” The good news is that you have the power to end the phubbing cycle.
Break free from technology and start spending quality face-to-face time with family and friends. Here’s a list of 8 ways to unplug this summer and spend time doing fun activities with your loved ones that are 100% phub free!
Read a Book
E-books are fantastic, but recent studies have shown that reading paper books may have a number of benefits like an increase in memory retention and focus. Besides, remember how good it felt to get your Scholastic book order as a kid? Recreate that feeling and take your family to visit a local bookstore and pick up a 2017 best seller. When you’re done reading, store your books on a beautiful bookcase.
Color
There’s a reason you’ve been seeing adult coloring books everywhere from the craft store to your neighborhood gas station. It’s because researchers and therapists have found the act of coloring has calming benefits similar to meditation. Coloring is also a great activity that the whole family can enjoy. Cover your dining room table with newspaper or a washable table cloth and start scribbling!
Cook
Whether you’re a beginner or Rachel Ray’s long lost sister, there’s always something new to try in the kitchen! Break out that recipe book that’s been collecting dust at the back of your junk drawer. Flip to a random page-we dare you! When your family is done macerating the fruit and thickening the roux, (I didn’t know what those words meant either, I learned them here) enjoy your delicious creation and gather around your stunning dining room table.
Board Games
Spend time laughing and challenging your mind with friends and family. Board games are an easy way to get your kids to unplug. They may complain at first, but once they start playing they’ll be having so much fun that they’ll forget about the stress of keeping up their Snapchat streak-even if it’s only for an hour. When you’ve finally been declared the victorious Board Game Champion of all the land…the living room…same thing…organize your games with smart solutions like a hidden storage bench.
Get to Know Who’s Next Door
Name all your neighbors. Ready? Go! …That’s what we thought. Get to know the person across the street this summer, invite them over for a BBQ or a glass of wine! Impress them with unique wine rack that’s sure to get the conversation flowing.
Spa Day
Just getting your nails done can cost you a pretty penny. Fortunately, we have servants kids that are more than happy to help Mom achieve a perfect manicured look-as long as you return the favor. Plan out a whole kid-friendly spa day with mani pedis, DIY face masks, fruit plates and cucumber water. Check out these oh-so-comfy chaises that are perfect for relaxing after your pampering.
Backyard Camping
All the pleasures of eating marshmallows and gazing at the stars without the mileage and glaring at your significant other all night for not bringing the TP. Set up your tent outdoors, roast marshmallows over your fire pit and spend time playing card games and sharing stories. Just make sure to leave the technology out of sight and out of mind!
Explore Your Neighborhood
Visit your neighborhood restaurants, shops and parks by foot or by wheel! Not only will you have a great time learning about your surroundings and discovering hidden treasures, but you’ll also get a little exercise while doing so. For Colorado residents, before you head out, make that exercise count! Sign up online or at your local AFW for Weigh & Win and get paid to lose weight! Find a kiosk location near you here.
How do you spend your Summer? Leave a comment below!