I did another digital detox today. That means no internet on my laptop, but I do use it for things like writing. And on my phone, only calling, texting, and a few other tools like the calculator and calendar.
It was a really good break, as usual. It would really be ideal to make this a regular weekly thing, instead of every couple weeks, or sometimes only once a month
Here's an analogy I was thinking of - the tightrope. With constant internet, it's like you're walking on a tightrope. You're likely to fall off that tightrope, unless you have incredible self-discipline.
Just one distracting thought can take you down some rabbithole (checking the news, seeing who's posted something interesting, online shopping, or whatever).
But if you do NOT have a constant internet connection, your mind just works differently. Instead of being on a tightrope, you're on a wide path. There's nothing nearby or easily accessible which is distracting.
You can do what you planned to do, what your rational, thoughtful mind thinks is the best for you to do, as opposed to the "look, squirrel!" part of your brain.
That's not to say you need to be working the entire time of your digital detox. I certainly don't, I leave a lot of time for daydreaming, fun projects, pleasure reading, etc.
Some of what I did today:
- long phone conversation with a friend
- perfecting my brisket recipe (my first good batch was here - #1066483)
- long overdue phone call with an elderly relative, some hard conversations about medical decisions
- mini hike in the local area
- having a friend over for dinner, for the brisket
- started re-reading the book Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande (really excellent book, highly recommended)
- sharpened a bunch of knives - love me some sharp knives!