Will constantly being online lead to singularity?
I have failed my digital detox. I made this overly-ambitious schedule…
… and stuck to it for a day. I did manage to keep my phone out of my bedroom for about ten days. That was helpful. I read more (offline) and I exercised once. I ventured into the world and met people IRL. I significantly cut down my screen time around the kids, but it wasn’t 100 (or 90, let’s be real).
Bit by bit, I went back to my online ways. I’m an addict! My brain chemistry is wired for online dope and FOMO. Honestly, Whole30 was way easier to stick to than this.
The methadone to my online habit:
- Keeping the phone in a different room than I am. Out of sight, out of mind. When it comes to Itchy Scrolling Fingers vs. Lazy Blogger Butt, the parked ass wins 9 times out of 10.
- To really get work done, it’s imperative to close email, browser and iMessages. I used the Cold Turkey app once (don’t judge) and it’s effective because you can’t get onto your favorite time-sucking sites for as long as you choose to be blocked.
- Online support. It’s an oxymoron, but knowing people were totally killing the detox (Christine, Jessica) was motivating. I also felt like less of a failure when someone else talked about how they blew it that day. We’re onto Week 3 of our Digital Detox Event. Join us there or partner up with a friend!
The one day I managed to follow my schedule, I felt happy, productive and less anxious. But that’s how insidious my addiction is. As good as I felt, it was easier, more comfortable and sometimes more gratifying to get back online. Damn you, Steve Jobs, and your iPhone crack. You, too, Zuckerberg.
Anyway, I’m back on the detox. Because I’m a stubborn bitch who refuses to be controlled by anyone or anything.
How did you do on your detox? Let us know in the comments or on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. And sign up for our newsletter for more ways to be healthier, happier and less addicted.
