Digital Health: Get off the screens and into the scenes!

It is important get away from the computer. During this class, I have stressed over how much there is to do. With the schedule I have, I need to complete at least 6 or 7 blogs a day. Being that it is the 11th day in this cohort, I'm not doing so well. Because of this assignment, it has helped me focus on not just sitting in front of the computer all day. There is a need for a break everyday. In today's technology, many kids are in front of a screen instead of in front of a scene. I grew up without cell phones, iPods, iPads, and most of the video gaming systems. I was outside. I had a tan (sometimes a burn) before school was out for the summer. I was swimming, hiking, fishing and hunting every summer. Now, I find myself and my girls inside in font of a computer, iPod, or TV. That's not good! This assignment might actually be my favorite. It reminds me to get outside and to get outside with my girls. Here is my calendar that I am going to follow for awhile, if I have to be in front of the screen "all day.":

Morning Walks are going to be a way to start my days this summer. I am going to walk at least a mile before I start my online quests for the day. While the girls are waking up and my wife is getting ready for work, I will take the time to "run away" from stay home summer dad and clear my head of yesterday's stresses.

Flex and Focus will be a time for the girls and I to turn off all devices and flex our legs and focus on something without a screen. We might go outside for awhile or just some quick exercises.

Play in the Day will be the end celebration of my work for this cohort. We will head to the pool, park, or the woods for at least an hour; if the Georgia weather plays nice. If not, we can draw, paint, or do something that gets us away the screens and into different scenes.

I have the calendar set to flash a reminder on the computer, so I am forced to remember my commitment.

I feel that as education turns more towards the virtual technology, I will incorporate these kinds of events in my school day. I will have a "blackout" period on my webpage that will hopeful encourage students to get off the screens and into the scenes!