How to Disconnect During Downtime

Just Step Away from the Netbook, Ma’am

Last weekend I took a three-day vacation from connectivity. Not even a peek at my email. It helped that I was in the middle of 180 acres of wilderness with nary a Wi-Fi in the breeze. Admittedly, I was a little twitchy at first. After all, I had made it to Level 130 in “Babylonia” - the procrastinating writer’s friend.

There’s been much written lately on the emotional/mental and even physical effects of being in constant contact with everyone electronically. As a psychotherapist, I constantly stress the need for downtime. I wrote an article about it in 2007 (which sounds almost quaint now and predates Twitter); Disconnect Doesn’t Have to Be a Bad Thing. But as someone who also makes a living writing and glued to a computer, I realize that disconnecting is not easy. So maybe baby steps are indicated. Here are a few to try...

* Turn off the mobile for a couple hours. If it’s really important, your callers will leave you a message/the missed call will be stored.

* If you can’t do the above, resist the urge to reply to every text immediately.

* Okay, okay, I have a Facebook page, too. But those comments on your comments will keep coming in even if you aren’t looking and you won’t miss any important “friending” opps. As my pal Amy says, “Everyone from Jerry Lewis to Osama Bin Laden wants to friend me!”

* Make a promise to yourself (and if it makes you more accountable, your spouse, partner or kids) to only get online part of one weekend day. Even better, take one whole day off from phones, too.

* Reconnect with the quiet. Listen to your cat purr. You get the idea.

Now if you’re jonesing just reading this, we may need a more intensive intervention...

This is a guest post by Nancy LaFever. You can read more from her at the Centre for Emotional Wellbeing blog.

Comments

[Margaret]

I bet alot of people will see themselves in this post. I know I did. Going to turn off the machine now. Thanks for the encouragement.

[stacey]

I think that social media is the downfall of the Amer... wait a minute, I just got a text.





Okay. Back. Anyway, what was I saying?

[Mark Gorkin]

Nancy, another well-written and witty, fast-paced and psychologically on-target blog. Keep em coming.

Mark

[Kristen King]

Great suggestions, Nancy. My husband and I took a low-tech vacation for our anniversary, and I definitely noticed him going through some withdrawal the first few days with his phone off! It's something we both need to do more of: unplug.

[JulieF]

I unplugged for most of the day yesterday and did crafts with the kids. I find that when I do unplug, so much more gets done around here. Which reminds me- I need to clean. Again.

[curt benzle]

very witty with notes of truth mixed with a sarcastic aftertaste. Refreshing when pared with coffee(cream and sugar) and a bite size Snickers. Must be read immediately as this advice will not last.

[Sherry]

So I should stop texting and emailing and blogging...but that means I'll have to work. Oh. Wait.

[Nancy]

Sherry, et al: It's a process. There are days when the mantra, "They'll have to pry that mouse from my cold, dead fingers..." comes to mind.

[Talia]

I definitely value my PC free days, and I have occasional text free days, too

[Amy]

My name is Amy and I'm an electronoholic. My Internet connection was down for two days at work. I called the technician at his office repeatedly--complaining, whining, and grousing. I couldn't concentrate on my work because I was busy checking to see if my connection was back. I was grouchy, grumpy, whiny, and mean. Not good characteristics for a church secretary. And the technician I kept harrassing? He's my husband. Ouch, Nancy.

[Micah]

Great post! This is very helpful. I'm sure I'd visit your site more often. Anyway, you can drop by my favorite online hang out too, at <a href="http://www.studentuk.com"> UK Student </a> Community. Thanks!

[JC]

Last Friday I forgot my Blackberry at work...what a peaceful weekend even though it was accidental

[homeopathie]

Hi,
This is very nice article.You have provided very good suggestions to follow.It is nice to take time for self for piece.

http://www.vitabits.fr/remede/

[Lisa T]

this is so true! personally I am OK with disconnecting but my husband's job demands he is on call 24/7. I have to resist the urge to accidently drop his Blackberry down the disposal.

[Dana]

What would we do with ourselves while this no technology moratorium were in effect? You aren't suggesting we read or talk to each other or somehow engage in human to human interaction are you?

[Richard]

Good advice. It is refreshing to see complete sentences again.