I’m not gonna lie: I tend to sort of scoff at people who take “technology fasts.” I guess I’ve always thought I was pretty good at stepping back, at leaving my phone alone, at not being connected. I’ve never felt the need to disconnect completely, mostly because I like technology.
This past weekend, I had the chance to really step away. Andrew’s friends invited us up to their cabin, where cell reception was spotty at best. At first, I felt sort of anxious: minimal tweeting? Facebook barely loading? No Google Reader? What was I going to do with my free time?
I had no problem filling it. Andrew and I took a hike along the lake, without phones. We enjoyed the trees and the water, and most of all, one another’s company. We spent a night on the porch over a lazy dinner and wine, talking and laughing. Andrew and I spent the morning sitting on the dock over the lake, dangling our feet in the water and reading. I finished an entire book in one day, just like I used to as a kid. We watched a thunderstorm roll through and breathed the fresh air and chatted.
Once we got back into town, I had a massage (my body has been in major pain lately!)—another hour without phone. When I emerged from that room, I noticed I felt so much happier. Lighter, even.
Lately, I’ve been making a conscious effort to not watch TV unless it’s a show I’m in love with. I’ve read five books in the past three weeks, something I used to do all the time but haven’t done in forever. Andrew and I have been walking more and I’ve been listening to more music.
While I’ll probably never be a “technology fast” person (and can’t really be, just because of the nature of my job/hobbies), I am definitely reaping the benefits of stepping back occasionally: good reading, good conversations, and a good feeling of TRUE relaxation.
And reluctantly, I must admit: not having technology has definitely helped.
Do you step away from technology completely? Do you take mini-breaks? Why or why not?
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I went without Facebook for four days this week which was nice (still went on Twitter though).
Last year I went on a field trip to work at a small town paper and apart from maybe an hour of internet a day for work purposes, had no online access at al. It wasn’t actually as hard as I thought. I don’t see much point in taking breaks just for the sake of it, but I love getting away on holiday and really unplugging properly.
I don’t mind going without when I have things to keep me busy – like travelling. If I’m bored, that’s when I tend to overuse technology, hehe.
Like you, my job and hobbies make it pretty hard to take a full-on break from technology, but a couple of times a year it’s so nice to take a break and forget about it completely! We were in Paris for our honeymoon last fall and with the exception of one trip to the Internet cafe for 30 minutes to let our families know we were not dead and stuff, we weren’t on computers, blackberries, phones, etc. once. It was SO nice. This weekend is a long weekend and I’ll be offline for 5 days and I’m really looking forward to that as well!
I actually think it’s really good to “unplug” every now and then. For me, it’s a reminder that, yes, the world will keep turning even if I haven’t checked Facebook once an hour and even if I’m not replying to e-mails as soon as they hit my in box and even if I miss this week’s episode of “True Blood” and… Well, you get my point.
I definitely try to step back every now and then and give myself some distance from my phone, computer, blog, etc. It’s always good to get away—and the return is that much sweeter.
I did do a week-long media fast, where I only logged onto my computer for school work & writing. I took a step away from my blog, Twitter, my Reader, and Facebook. I loved it, and plan on doing it again because it just recharges you, in a way. You stop focusing so much on updating Twitter and commenting on blogs and focus on LIFE.
I love my TV, my computer and my phone, but I am a firm believer that these things are ruining social interactions. It’s virtually impossible to have a conversation with someone that doesn’t involve the TV on in the background or a person responding to a notification on their phone. In some situations, I find it downright rude. That’s why I always look forward to spending a week on Cape Cod at my family’s house. No cable TV. No internet. No cell phone service. Just the trees. The house. Lots of reading. And plenty of conversation. It reminds me that life is good without technology.
I need to unplug for a few days before school starts (all of my classes are online). I’ve always wanted to, but I haven’t. Even if just for a weekend, I think it would be nice to HAVE to find other things to do–read, bike, run, spend time with Husband. I might have to do this really soon.
I feel the exact same way. And can I have your weekend, please? That sounds AMAZING.
I routinely step away from the internet and all things techology related on a fairly regular basis (most weekends). I think its a good reminder that life doesn’t need to revolved around electronic devices like we’ve sort of programmed ourselves to believe. I’m glad that you were able to take a little break. =)
I find that occasional unplugging is necessary for my sanity. I’m glad you took a break
if i’m going on vacation i typically don’t even take my laptop with me. if i can’t do it from my iphone it’s not important enough to be done on vacation.
I love unplugging every now and then, because I love making things with my hands & having a break from the constant influx of e-mail!
For me, taking a break from my e-mail (which is what I mean by a break) is just a great way to move from responding & reacting into creating.
When we went to Costa Rica last year we were completely unplugged. It was great! I wish I would have unplugged during our honeymoon. I think if I hadn’t gone to London first for work, and therefore had an internationally BlackBerry and my laptop with me, I would have.
I have dedicated “internet time” at home, but otherwise, my computer is turned off when I’m home. I figure I spend enough time on the internet at work, that I should take time off when I’m home. I have a BlackBerry, so I still stay pretty connected to Facebook and Twitter, but I still limit the amount of times I check them. Its just good for my sanity (and my imagination)
I’ve never understood the technology fast thing either, because I love the internet and I don’t like punishing myself unnecessarily. But, I am consciously trying to dial back, especially when I find myself refreshing pages constantly and thinking, “What if something happens on twitter and I’m not there?!” I’m amazed when I realize something has distracted me from being connected for more than an hour. It’s ridiculous and not how I want to be spending my time, so I’m working on it.
I took a bit of a break from my blog (unintentionally…I just felt very uninspired for a few months there), but now I’m back with a vengeance!
As for The Internet and technology as a whole, I try to back up off it on the weekends. I usually just leave my iPhone plugged in all weekend, that way I won’t be temped to REFRESH REFRESH REFRESH Twitter, et. al. Also, I’ve taken to keeping my laptop upstairs so if I do want to use it, it’s sort of a production to go get it (haha, upstairs is a production…Hi, I’m lazy.)
I like mini-breaks, but I always look forward to some serious unplugged time. I just find that taking a step back to DO rather than SHARE gives me more to share about in the long run anyway
My “mini breaks” are often on weekends, because I do a lot of my freelance work then, I have to shut things off like Twitter, etc., in order to really get stuff written. And I’m out and about a lot on weekends and tend to ignore Twitter a little more.
You might already know this about me, but my technology breaks are focused on musicianship (which is VITAL since my day job and freelance are both web!).
It doesn’t even have to be musicianship for everyone, especially if they don’t play anything. BUT it is important to sing at the top of your lungs every once in a while. And that’s something everyone can do.
Your weekend sounds absolutely amazing! I find that busy weekends – especially when you’re staying somewhere with limited access to technology – allow for easier media fasts.
I tried staying away from the internet for a few days last month, but since I didn’t really have much else to do, I would just get bored and go on “just to check e-mail.” It’s always much easier, on the other hand, when I visit my aunt and uncle’s shore house and don’t have my laptop with me.
Technology is great and all, but if don’t know how to step back and unplug for a while, what are you going to write about?
We all need a break from the constant influx and it’s usually that much nicer when you come back.
What you just described in your weekend away sounds so amazing. I’m glad you were able to unplug for even just a bit <3
It does feel sooo liberating when you can’t get online for a while!
I usually take breaks when I’m visiting my family back home. While I can take my laptop and still do go online I’m not on it nearly as much.
Last week I was visiting my boyfriend and his house had no internet…I used his phone to check my email and my blog but I was about 6 days without my blog reader and now I feel like just deleting the over 1000 unread blogs lol
I unplugged for 3 weeks when we were in Europe and it was great. I mean, I was still going online every 2nd day or so for 20-60 minutes but I didn’t have my blackberry on me, I didn’t feel the need to CONSTANTLY check Twitter, ya know?
Alas, a few months back in Canada and I’m back to my old, technology-obsessed self. I LOVE giving it up when I go away or go camping or something, but I don’t see myself giving it up for a weekend when I’m at home!
i try to step away every once and a while but man is it hard. i can’t wait for my honeymoon though when i will be sans computer and sans internet on my phone, it will be magical.
I’ve never felt the need to completely step away but I don’t think I’m as connected as some. I don’t have an iPhone or a blackberry so I can’t get the internet on the go. Some days I feel desperate for a connection to twitter or facebook but other days I don’t think twice about it.
Weekends are my mini breaks, and of course when I’m on vacation (the whole two times a year). It’s great to step by back, re-engage with those around me, realizing that there is life away from a computer screen & cell phone refresh button. It’s kind of lovely.
A weekend in a cabin sounds divine! Glad you and A had a great time =)
wow- I am proud of you and happy for you!
I think I need that too!
Love you!!!!
I’ve been unplugging more and more lately. I still check my mail and whatnot, but being wired in all the time really does effect my emotions and overall feelings of wellbeing. I get so much more cranky and antisocial when I’m on the computer all the time. Trying to make an effort to be away from the net more is a struggle, though, because I don’t want my site to suffer. A balancing act to be sure.
I use to be into music a lot, and was always updating my profile. that seemed to change once I started dating and got caught up in my relationship. lately i’ve been trying to get back into that because it really relaxed me, and actually quite bothers me since i loved it and i don’t ever do it anymore.
I try to limit my computer time on the weekends since I’m so plugged in during the week. It’s nice coming back to it after you’ve been away for awhile. You don’t feel so bogged down.
I like this comment.
i occasionally ‘unplug’, but usually it’s unintentional! i get caught up in some weekend activity with my fiance, and before i know it a day [or two] is gone and i haven’t tweeted or facebooked. i guess i usually do still have my cell on, but it’s a major cutback and i think it’s healthy to focus on the 3D life going on in front of you, instead of just a glowing screen.
I like to take a break for a day or so at least once a month. I like to go to my mom’s (who lives in the country) and just enjoy the quiet. I can’t completely get away because of my job… but when I’m not at work I find I don’t really use technology as much as I used to.
I’m generally less connected on the weekends. After a week spent on the computer and attached to my blackberry, it’s nice to put the phone down and relax a bit. Every now and then I’ll get in the habit of watching TV as a fall asleep but I really do think I’m more happy if I read before bed.
I don’t take deliberate technology breaks, but I always think it’s a good sign when I can not use any technology and not really miss it. Especially if not missing it is because I’m with good people. I’d never want to give up my computer or TV completely, but I’m aware of not becoming an addict. Once again, a thought provoking post. Thanks.