Why Can’t We Put Our Phones Down?

dopamine hits, phone normalization culture and other explanations

THE WEEKLY EDIT:
Blending: The Erewhon Smoothie Menu
I know, I know, I’m such a cliché, but I miss my Erewhon smoothies! So, I’ve decided to blend my way through the menu and figure out how to make them myself. From Hailey Bieber’s Strawberry Glaze to Coconut Dream and Peanut Butter Blast, I’m very into this summer challenge of mine.

Ordered: Be Well By Kelly Plant-Based Protein Powder
I ordered Be Well By Kelly’s protein powders in chocolate and vanilla for all my smoothie making. This is a reorder for me—her powders taste great, are low in carbs, and high in protein. Plus, I really just like her!

Two Links of Note Re: Phones:
-Surgeon General: Why I’m Calling for a Warning Label on Social Media Platforms
-LAUSD approves strict student cellphone ban
-Ok, one more for a laugh

In the Market For: Flattering Swimwear
I’m looking for a flattering swimsuit for this postpartum body and can’t decide if a high-waisted bikini or a one-piece would be better. Perhaps the Patricia or Nancy from Hunza? I ordered both—fingers crossed! Any other flattering swimsuit recommendations?

Hitting up: Kosas & Jenni Kayne Site-wide 20% off Sales
I love a site-wide sale and today, Kosas and Jenni Kayne are 20% off!

Making This week:
Horchata-Iced Coffee
Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothies
Wild Blueberry Chia Pudding
Mexican Chopped Salad
All Time Salmon Bowls
One-Pan Roasted Halibut Puttanesca & Asparagus

---

ALRIGHT, LET’S GET INTO IT:
Why Can’t We Put Our Phones Down?

Last week’s newsletter, “Is Your Phone Taking Away From Motherhood?,” struck a chord, resonating with so many of you. There have been great conversations on all the platforms in which I’m reachable, ranging from simple “thank you for talking about this” to candid shares of personal feelings and experiences, suggestions on how to break up with the phone, and boundaries you have set in your own lives. 

What has stood out to me, amidst all of the discussions, has been the collective agreement that the phone most certainly takes away from the moment in motherhood and really, in all human connections. Yet, despite knowing it takes away from our human experience as mothers, and despite knowing it takes away from the childhood experience, we also all agree that it’s incredibly difficult to stop and put the phone away. Our phones, while infinitely useful, have a way of pulling us out of real life and into a screen. The need to be available for work, the Pavlovian pings for texts and calls, pulling up a recipe, then somehow mindlessly scrolling on IG as your child waits getting hungry, or, as one mom shared, her constant need for entertainment. She shared that after reading this, she caught herself at the park glued to her phone consuming videos and content of strangers that she’ll likely never remember while missing the view of her child laughing on the swing and taking a risk for the first time on the big slide. Possibly moments she would never forget. And when she looked up to snap out of it, surrounding her on the benches were other parents doing exactly the same thing: ignoring their kids and paying attention to their devices. 

So why is it so hard for us to put our phones down?