Ditch the Screen, Embrace the Scene SIMPLE TIPS TO BE PRESENT IN THE MOMENT
Have you ever looked up from your phone only to realize you just missed the punchline of a joke, an important plot development in a movie, or a significant moment with your child? Most of us are guilty of spending too much time on our smartphones or other devices at some point. March 7 is the National Day of Unplugging, a challenge to all of us to set down our phones for 24 hours and focus on being in the moment. Unplugging from tech isn’t just about stepping away from screens; it’s about stepping into life. Out of Sight at Night The blue lights of our phone screens can disrupt our sleep patterns and make it harder for our minds to turn off for bed. Experts recommend not looking at your screen for 2–3 hours before bedtime. Not only does scrolling lead to sleep problems, but it also takes you away from your spouse or family members and that important time in the evening to decompress. It’s easy to check for that last email, calendar appointment, or video. So, try charging your phone out of sight in another room. Phone-Free Zones Though we all need our phones for various things, we should put them in our pockets or turn them off completely sometimes. Nothing makes a person feel more unheard than when trying to have a meaningful conversation with someone focusing on their screen. You can establish phone-free zones in your routine, like family dinners. Don’t mix your dopamines. If you are playing a game on your tablet while the rest of your family is laughing over
a movie, you miss the fun. Keep these boundaries for yourself by silencing your notifications or only allowing certain ones. The fewer buzzes, the fewer interruptions and distractions! Silent Strolls Even though we might reach for our headphones before going out for a walk, this is the perfect chance to put some distance between yourself and your device. Try ditching your audiobook or music and listening to the sounds of nature or your city as you stroll. It’s a chance to take in the serene beauty around us.
CREAMY TORTELLINI VEGETABLE SOUP
TAKE A BREAK
Ingredients
Inspired by EatingWell.com
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil • 1 cup peeled and chopped carrots • 1 cup chopped yellow onion • 1 tbsp finely chopped garlic • 3 cups reduced-sodium vegetable broth • 1 (15-oz) can (no salt added) diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped • 1/2 tsp ground pepper • 1/4 tsp plus 1/8 tsp salt • 1 (9-oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini • 1 (5-oz) package baby spinach • 1 cup heavy cream
Directions
1. In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add carrots and onions and cook for about 5 minutes or until onions are softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute or until fragrant. 2. Add broth, tomatoes, fresh basil, pepper, and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and let simmer for about 5 minutes or until carrots are slightly tender. 3. Stir in tortellini. Cook until pasta is tender. Reduce heat to medium-low. 4. Add baby spinach and cream. Cook until spinach is wilted. Serve and garnish with additional basil if desired.
Aquamarine Basketball Bluebird Clover
Green Ides Leprechaun Madness
Pisces Spring Tangerine Tulip
PACKARDFIRM.COM 3
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator