Summary

The article discusses the transformative impact of a weekly 24-hour digital detox on the author's life, emphasizing the benefits of unplugging from technology for personal well-being and productivity.

Abstract

The author describes a personal journey of adopting a weekly digital detox, inspired by Tiffany Shlain's book "24/6 — The Power of Unplugging One Day a Week." By spending one day a week without screens, the author engages in reflective and fulfilling activities such as writing letters, meditating, and making music, which lead to a sense of ease and new ideas. The experience is marked by a conscious choice to slow down, listen to the heart, and reduce the pressure of constant connectivity. Despite the challenges of loneliness and the temptation to reconnect, the author finds the practice beneficial for mental health, self-reliance, and overall life satisfaction.

Opinions

The author views the weekly digital detox as a vital practice for enhancing life quality, not as a chore or a waste of time.
There is an appreciation for the deeper connections formed through activities like letter writing, which are often neglected in the digital age.
The author acknowledges the initial fear of missing out (FOMO) and the concern of how loved ones would react to the decision to unplug, but found understanding and acceptance.
The article conveys a sense of liberation and reduced anxiety from being unreachable for a day, contrasting with the overwhelming feeling of returning to a flood of messages and emails.
The author values the clarity and creativity that emerge during the detox period, highlighting the importance of disconnecting for personal growth and idea generation.
While the author enjoys online activities and engagement with the Medium community, there is a clear preference for the balance and perspective gained from regular technology breaks.
The practice of a tech detox is seen as both a personal challenge and a confidence booster, proving the author's ability to navigate life without constant reliance on a phone.
The author emphasizes the importance of planning and commitment when scheduling activities during the detox, expressing frustration with the spontaneity lost in modern communication habits.
The overall sentiment is that the benefits of the digital detox, such as increased contentment and relaxation, extend throughout the week, positively influencing the author's daily life.

The Power of Disconnecting Once A Week

24 hours for me to serve the world better

The train is full as always on this Friday afternoon. It doesn’t bother me. I just finished work, and I am excited about the weekend ahead.

Instead of having a tight schedule of meeting friends and going to events, I am on my way to silence and solicitude.

I use the time to go home to prepare. I look at the weather forecast for tomorrow again. More importantly, I let my loved ones know that I won’t be reachable on my phone.

I open the door to my flat and a wave of calm comes towards me.

Stepping inside, I hit the flying-mode button on my phone. I turn off the Podcast and put my phone away. This is where it will stay for the next 24 hours.

I listen.

Nothing.

I breathe in and breathe out.

Still nothing.

I smile.

Welcome to paradise!

Where It All Comes From

In April, I read this book called 24/6 — The Power of Unplugging One Day a Way by Tiffany Shlain.

She tells the story of her family and how they improve their lives by having 24 hours without screens each week.

Halfway through, I knew that I would try and implement this in my life.

I feared how my family and friends would react when I tell them about my plan. I wasn’t sure if they would understand.

So, I drafted a long message, explaining what I was up to and why I wanted to test it.

They were all understanding and accepted it without any discussion. My head was only scared of rejection once again.

Since May, I have been spending 24 hours offline each week.

How I Use My Time Without Screens

In the majority of cases, I do the same stuff as usual. I have some household chores and cleaning to do.

But apart from that, it is a time, when I do important but not urgent activities.

I write letters to my friends. A love I found recently. Yet, I can only fully engage in it when I don’t look at my phone each time a message pops up.

I take naps in the afternoon. When I scroll through Medium or watch videos, I forget about time. This is the hour that lacks later when I would need some rest.

I meditate longer.

I ponder over important questions. What do I want more of in my life? Whom do I want to be? How can I use my time more effectively? How can I live with more ease?

I read more thoroughly.

I get lost in making music.

Where The Magic Happens

This is where this experience becomes extraordinary.

My detox time never feels like a waste of time. I never waste any time.

I get done as much as I want or as much as any other time.

Yet, it feels completely different.

I act slower and more conscious.

I decide what I will do next by listening to my heart.

The clock feels unimportant as I go through the day with ease.

This is what I like the most: I feel lighter. The pressure to be reachable all the time is a bigger burden than I notice during the week.

In the middle of all this, new thoughts make their way to my conscious. As there is almost no new information around that my head needs to process. New ideas arise to the surface.

I write them down and leave it at that. There is another time for engaging with them on a deeper level.

Why I Am Happy When It Is Over And What Makes The Practice Hard

The Internet isn’t the devil itself. I simply don’t allow it to take my life over completely.

There are plenty of activities that I like to do online.

I love to write my articles for Medium and engage with other content creators. Also, I am curious to see what other news I missed.

I miss chatting with my friends and my sister after no messages for a day. Still, going back online is overwhelming.

Messages and e-mails are waiting for my response.

I have still not figured out how not to go into full anxiety mode when I finish my detox time.

As I am living alone, I spent most of these 24 hours in solicitude.

For the author of the book, it is a different experience. She has a husband and two children. For her, the tech detox is an important ritual to spend quality time with them.

I can schedule activities with friends for this time. Still, the majority I will spend alone. There are moments of loneliness and temptation to reach for my phone.

Especially, when I am out and about, I would love to share pictures and thoughts with loved ones.

But I notice that most of the things aren’t that important. What matters will be written after the 24 hours are over. That is not too much.

Also, it can be a frustrating experience, to plan to meet my friends ahead of time. We aren’t used to thinking things through beforehand anymore.

I find it exhausting to make sure they will keep their commitment. But I have to because I would be the person waiting there alone when they decide not to show up.

Thus, I often choose to spend the 24 hours with myself.

This is also a boost of confidence. Showing myself that I can navigate my life without my phone. I know the ways and get home safe.

Most of the time, I take my phone with me shut off or in flying-mode, in case of emergency.

What Stays With Me Throughout The Week

Stepping out of this hamster wheel for a few hours makes me healthier, more content, and more relaxed.

It is a way to find myself again. To recenter.

This light I bring with me for the remaining six days of the week.

Did you love this article and would like to tip me? You can do that here. Not part of the Medium Community yet? Join now and 50% of your monthly fees will support me directly as a writer! If you don’t want to miss another article of mine, subscribe now and receive an e-mail notification.

I appreciate your support and wish you all the best!