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Tech Habits to Give Up for Lent

Believe me when I say that there was a time when giving up our favorite television programs, and sports games was possible. Access to cable TV was limited, and Wi-Fi and online streaming were still being conceptualized. Lent meant having zero programs to watch (with the exception of a handful of appropriate shows) and limited programs on the radio. There were no online games, no social media platforms to enjoy at home. Possible Holy Week sacrifices tech-wise then ranged from not playing your game console to limiting hours playing the handheld, socalled Brick Game.

Lent is a time of sacrifice and reflection for the faithful. In a recent address, Pope Francis shared that he is praying for the season to be “a time of spiritual renewal and trusting openness to the grace of God and to His mercy.” It is a time when we should be challenged by the call to conversion by “correcting something in our lives, in our very way of thinking, acting and living relationships with others.” We can answer the call by sacrificing different tech habits and honoring the season with respect. Think of it as time of quiet and reflection, and it will surely help to remove distractions to enable this.

• Limited Wi-Fi hours.

Having 24/7 internet connection is becoming de rigueur for every home. To encourage everyone to correctly observe Lent, agree on fixed Wi-Fi hours during Holy Week. The time offline can be used for joint prayer or attending community prayer events. It can also be used to do good deeds, such as sorting books, toys, clothing that can be donated to orphanages, non-profit groups for street children, and elderly homes.

• Chores the old way.

Pick up the broom and resist using the vacuum cleaner to clean the floor. Many tasks at home are automated to give us ease during hectic days but a few days off should allow us to complete chores manually. It is also a good time to clean appliances we heavily depend on, like our coffee makers, microwave ovens, and air-conditioning units.

• Limited comfort.

Yes, we all feel the excruciating temperatures. And yes, we also want to have our A/Cs on the entire day. But we can sacrifice by shortening the hours our units are operational. We can elect to use electric fans in the afternoon or limit the entire home to just one room being cooled by the A/C. Doing this also lessens our energy consumption and carbon footprint.

• Put that series on hold.

Are you thinking of finishing all seasons of Breaking Bad this Lent, or revisiting Ross, Rachel, and friends? It will be a tall order, but a great sacrifice to give up your streaming services for Lent. We recommend reading a book, or cleaning a part of the home you always avoid attending to. How about a good deed like cleaning your siblings’ rubber shoes, the family car, or taking over a chore for the entire week, such as bathing and feeding your pets? Time usually flies very fast when we are hooked on a series. Use the time to be productive and check some items off your must-do home list.

• Anti-social

Log out your social media accounts. Put off your notifications, even the ones you get via e-mail. It will be hard the first few hours (or days) but we will survive! Limit your posts, especially if you like posting every hour or so. Even better, avoid posting for a few days. This is what the #LatePost was made for! If your family or friends have to reach you, good old text messaging or calls are still dependable.

• Get a grip on games.

This is where you can influence kids to observe Lent, too. We are hooked on gaming, especially when there is nothing to do at home or on the road. It’s not so bad to engage in conversation with family or friends. Change the usual scene of being together just physically because we are individually immersed in our devices. Be a good co-pilot to the designated driver by talking to him or her so they can remain alert during the drive. Spend time with your grandparents (and get them off their devices, too). Initiate a family meeting and help plan new church stops this year for your Visita Iglesia.

• Resist online shopping.

It’s a good time to reflect on your needs versus your wants. Spend the days making an inventory of what you already have as it can influence your decision to spend on some things. Go through what you have in your pantry, medicine cabinet, school supplies drawers, and closets. Knowing what you have will lessen the possibility of making unplanned purchases, too.