Last year I had the opportunity to read iDisorder by Dr. Larry Rosen. (Interview with Dr. Larry Rosen) It is a book that explores the role technology has on mental disorders. But what I found most important in his book is the notion that our brain doesn’t ‘shut down’ when we turn off the computer, tv or video game. The brain activity that is stimulated by the use of technology continues to whirl, much like the fan in a computer, long after the power button is pushed off.

Dr. Rosen explains that it is necessary to ‘reset’ the brain and we do this by changing our environment, by changing our mental stimulation.

To rest your mind, first you need to turn off the technology. Leave the phone, games, anything with a screen behind and then get outside into nature.

Take a walk, run, ski, sit by the ocean. If you can’t do this everyday, try to do it at least once a week.

While you are at it, be sure to do some slow deep breathing (The Power of Breath).

Where nature will help to reset your mind; deep breathing will help create positive well-being, it will help to oxygenate your body and it will cleanse your system.

A mind reset is just as important for you as it is for your kids. Try to have one just for yourself and then encourage your kids to take a mind reset break too.

Teaching them to understand the impact of the everyday nature of their lives will benefit them as they grow up. Explain to them the way in which technology stimulates their brain and the importance of letting it rest and reset. Much like the body needs to rest and reset everyday. They will take this information with them as the grow and it will help them to create and maintain a healthy balance in their lives.

As our world advances, the ability to disconnect our kids completely from technology becomes less and less likely, so let’s teach them how work with it and live healthy.

When you head out, just remember to leave the gadgets at home, on the desk, or tucked into the glove box of your car. The idea is to be untethered.

(C) Christine Agro 2013

Christine Agro is a Mom, a Clairvoyant, a Metaphysical Expert and a Naturopath. She is the founder of The Conscious Mom’s Guide(TM) a free membership site where she shares insight and guidance, offers a place for like-minded people to connect on conscious living and parenting and runs a series of programs.