Benefits of being unplugged.
I generally have been in a better mood. I feel more content with my day and I equate that feeling of general satisfaction with the fact that I have not been comparing my life to everyone else. Even though it's not on a conscious level, every time I surf the social media I am comparing myself to others. Other friends, other family, even celebrities, everyone. I tell myself that I use social media to share with my friends, but usually I'm just a socially accepted peeping-tom. Creeping along, reading the intimate details of acquaintances' days and wondering if my day is measuring up.
Sharing is also wearing on your mood. Every time we put something out there on the internet, there is a part of us that is waiting for feedback. Now, sometimes positive feedback is rewarding, but on some level I think we each know that if we needed someone else to approve of whatever we put out there- we were showing some insecurity.
I had more energy. Even though it feels like mindless scrolling- reading, all day, and processing all that bullshit, takes energy.
Lesson 1: Constant access to social media is draining.
I am more in tune with the people around me. I felt like I woke up. I saw Larry, my fiancé. I noticed that he was tired from running errands all day and needed to feel appreciated. I could hear it in his voice. I stopped in that moment, and did not ask for help while putting away laundry; instead I thanked him. I wondered, if I had been distracted by texting or Facebook, while I walked through the door- would I have noticed the subtleties that made me treat a loved one better.
I focused on each task more diligently. I did not feel interrupted by emails, texts, or calls. I felt like I was in control of my time.
I found myself singing loudly in the car. Usually while I drive, I go hands-free phone calling and catch up with all the people that I think I NEED to catch up with... Guess those calls weren't as urgent as I thought. No one died and I sang like Mariah Carey.
My life felt less dramatic. I was slowed down. I couldn't treat everything as a demanding need. It had to wait until I got home. And nothing was urgent.
I made better decisions because I had more time to think about if I really should say that....when I saw the person...and then had to say it in person.
I had to become more organized about my day because I had no choice. Larry took my car in for an inspection. He told me he would pick me up at 5pm and take me home so I could get to a dance class I teach at 7pm. That was the plan when I left for work that morning, and that was the plan. period. No making excuses for staying longer at work, or wanting to grab lunch because no phone!
Lesson 2: Don't let your virtual life control your time.
Drawbacks of being unplugged.
Concern 1: The rest of the world is plugged in.
I sincerely missed texting my fiancé and friends. Being unplugged made my texts more purposeful and sacred. The delayed gratification of having access to my loved ones, made me appreciate them more. But, the drawback of the delay was timing.
My friends were not amused. I got several angry texts that they were trying to reach me. When I told them I'm not carrying my cell, I got some resistance. I was inconveniencing them. I was missing out on a couple invites, and I was missing my reach outs.
Concern 2: Safety
Walking to my car at night became a little more intense. I did not like not having a life line and also, when my car was parked in a dark parking lot, I suddenly realized I did not have a flashlight.
I got into a fender bender yesterday. Luckily, I had my phone. I took the photos I needed from the scene, and took a photo of the information I will need to report the accident. In this case I had a driveable vehicle, but if it had not been, I would have been walking to find a phone. In the wrong neighborhood, or at night, that could have been a bad situation.
Concern 3: Convenience.
I do not know where anything is located. I realized my pathetic dependency on GPS. Going anywhere new had to be planned and with out GPS, I also could not avoid heavy traffic.
I had to just guess the business hours when running errands.
No call ahead to restaurants.
Forgot to tell someone something? Too bad. Had to wait until I saw them again.
The Take Home Lesson:
Technology evolves based on need, and yes, you are at a disadvantage in today's world if you decide to live completely unplugged. However, there is a time and place to be plugged in. It comes down to basic manners and common sense. Don't have a cell phone on at work. Don't have a cell phone on when you've arrived at your destination with friends or family- once you've sat down with the people that deserve your time, the phone goes off. Turn your phone off during times that require your full attention. But, a phone is needed on the go. A phone becomes most important during the days transitions and planning. The best way to use your phone is with purpose. Call someone. Text someone. Look something up when you need to. Throw away the idea that your phone is your filler, or your go to for entertainment.`
Tips on becoming unplugged:
1. The Silent Mode on your phone is no longer an option. The phone must stay on loud at all times. Less texting, because the sound is annoying. And your phone can not be in inappropriate places like work, dinner, or the movies- all places that you shouldn't be on your cell.
2. Organize yourself so that you don't need to rely on your phone. If you know your going to a new place, print out the directions. Remember 2005? You're about to live it all over again.
