I attempted to participate in a class digital detox challenge. My goal was to have most of my course assignments completed by Friday night so I could enjoy my Friday evening and Saturday without electronics or the obligation to complete school. Let's be honest, in grad school there is always something to be reading or completing. But nonetheless, we need mental breaks too.
The challenge for the digital detox was to step away from digital devices for 24-48 hours. My goal for the challenge was 24 hours. I was not completely successful, but I learned a lot about my digital uses.
Here's what I learned about myself:
When the goal is to shut down completely, it's more difficult than I thought. I found my attempts to be like starting a diet. I kept telling myself, at 8pm I'll put my phone down and step a way until tomorrow...then 9 pm came around, and I was still surfing Pintrest and Facebook. Being cognizant of wanting and needing to shut down, made it so much more difficult for me.
In the past, I have been successful in performing a digital detox. Usually I would travel to a forgien country and not have a data service. I do realize today, it is a lot easier to get WiFi and stay connected, but I had no reason or desire to see what was happening back home. I was living in the moment and emerging myself in the country I was visiting.
So why was this weekend so much harder to do? I felt like I needed a break. But I also felt like I needed to finish homework. I was also just mindlessly checking Facebook because I was bored.
In the end, I was able to take some time away from digital devices. I fixed a fence and cleaned out a pool filter. Manual labor will keep you preoccupied from electronics! I also caught myself before checking social media accounts for updates. I even let the notification build up on the various apps. That was difficult for me. I struggle with seeing those red icons!
It was a good exercise and I learned more about myself and became even more self aware.
Kudos to you !!!!!!!! I’m glad you were able to do this. I wanted to but did not. I like the idea of planning it for the weekend. Sadly, I was so caught up in looking at the Father’s Day Posts I spend half the evening on Social Media. Thanks for sharing your experience!
ReplyDeleteKudos to you !!!!!!!! I’m glad you were able to do this. I wanted to but did not. I like the idea of planning it for the weekend. Sadly, I was so caught up in looking at the Father’s Day Posts I spend half the evening on Social Media. Thanks for sharing your experience!
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