I recently made a decision to have a week-on/week-off approach to my digital life. Easily 90% (or more) of what I do in all my ‘work’ projects involves digital technology and a need to be online. It’s too much.
So now I literally just started a trial period of a week working (quite relentlessly) and a week off (doing non-digital DIY around the house/garden), physically hanging out more with family and friends, getting out into nature, travelling around and exploring a bit.
This week, after today, apart from a meeting or two, I’m offline (in theory).
Even after just a week or two I already noticed two things. I feel excited coming back to work after a week off. And during my time off I never stop thinking (in the background), so my ideas seem to germinate, grow and develop more naturally.
I'm an early riser and often my laptop is my first stop. My garden is my detox zone - I try to spend an hour-ish every day hanging out there. But I'm also a confirmed multi-tasker, which confounds my attempts to stay off the digital sauce. I really appreciate your ideas to cut back on that digital time. I think I'll start with something easy, like closing the laptop for an hour while I have my tea.
I get a little note from Microsoft telling me how well/poorly I did - I think I rank right up there with your 7 hours. Egads.
Also love early (writing) on the computer, but I've been forcing myself to do about 15 minutes on paper first. Sometimes it turns into longer, but even the 15 is great for grounding me and making me more aware of time away from the screen.
Great reminders here Paul. When I first was on Substack I never thought to turn off my notifications. Why would I be getting notifications?! How quickly I adapted to that dopamine hit and fell in love with them. Yikes! No more notifications for me.
Liked this! Timely. Been getting out more. I've cut back my digital screen time but it is still too much. A structured plan, like in school, gives every interest some time. - "Gonna play my guitar now…" - me, too. : )
We are simpatico again. I've learned that we shouldn't worry about pleasing everyone else. Truth is they simple don't care about us, our feelings, and so on...on a deep level. On the surface, sure, just to be nice. And to reciprocate.
"If you have all that you need, then you will not have FOMO"~ me.
Great stuff.
I recently made a decision to have a week-on/week-off approach to my digital life. Easily 90% (or more) of what I do in all my ‘work’ projects involves digital technology and a need to be online. It’s too much.
So now I literally just started a trial period of a week working (quite relentlessly) and a week off (doing non-digital DIY around the house/garden), physically hanging out more with family and friends, getting out into nature, travelling around and exploring a bit.
This week, after today, apart from a meeting or two, I’m offline (in theory).
Even after just a week or two I already noticed two things. I feel excited coming back to work after a week off. And during my time off I never stop thinking (in the background), so my ideas seem to germinate, grow and develop more naturally.
Let’s see! It’s early days.
Excellent! Your week on, week off idea was a catalyst for this article. Have a good one!
I'm an early riser and often my laptop is my first stop. My garden is my detox zone - I try to spend an hour-ish every day hanging out there. But I'm also a confirmed multi-tasker, which confounds my attempts to stay off the digital sauce. I really appreciate your ideas to cut back on that digital time. I think I'll start with something easy, like closing the laptop for an hour while I have my tea.
I get a little note from Microsoft telling me how well/poorly I did - I think I rank right up there with your 7 hours. Egads.
Thanks for your sincere answer, Heather. Like all else in this life, it's a journey. Have a good one!
Also love early (writing) on the computer, but I've been forcing myself to do about 15 minutes on paper first. Sometimes it turns into longer, but even the 15 is great for grounding me and making me more aware of time away from the screen.
That's a real good suggestion! What's paper?
LOL
Great reminders here Paul. When I first was on Substack I never thought to turn off my notifications. Why would I be getting notifications?! How quickly I adapted to that dopamine hit and fell in love with them. Yikes! No more notifications for me.
Thanks for a great article.
Those brain drugs are tough to withdraw from. Thanks for reading!
Great, Paul. Isn't it strange ... I could never, ever write long-hand what I do on my laptop. The trip from the brain to the fingers isn't the same.
By the way, I have a new one coming out tomorrow, kinda of an antithesis to yours ... my list of life's "to-don'ts."
I look forward to reading it!
I had fun with it. Written with my tongue firmly implanted in cheek. Hope it gives you a laugh or two.
Liked this! Timely. Been getting out more. I've cut back my digital screen time but it is still too much. A structured plan, like in school, gives every interest some time. - "Gonna play my guitar now…" - me, too. : )
Excellent, James!
Play the guitar! I'm off on an unplugged walk. Thanks for some good observations.
Thank you! Enjoy the walk. Fall is the best time of the year for walks!
We are simpatico again. I've learned that we shouldn't worry about pleasing everyone else. Truth is they simple don't care about us, our feelings, and so on...on a deep level. On the surface, sure, just to be nice. And to reciprocate.
"If you have all that you need, then you will not have FOMO"~ me.