Disconnect to Reconnect
It’s likely no surprise to you that we are spending far too much time connected to technology - whether it be a smartphone, TV, tablet or computer, we are experiencing information overload, and the effects are not all constructive.
Excessive use of digital devices has been shown to have a negative impact on physical activity, sleep quality, mental well-being, cognitive function, productivity, and personal relationships.
Weekends are a great time to start reducing your digital dependence. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
Turn off Notifications on your smartphone
Inform friends and family to only contact you if absolutely necessary
Avoid checking social media
Avoid checking email
Cover the clocks in your home and set your phone to a foreign time zone
By disconnecting from media and technology you will find more time for in-person connections, physical activity, as well as experience a calming of your mind, more restful sleep, and the days will seem so much longer (this is especially true if you avoid looking at the time!) resulting in a more restorative feeling from your time off.
It doesn’t need to be all-or-nothing. If the thought of completely cutting yourself off from digital makes you uncomfortable, ease into it - start with one of the above suggestions and then add another the next time you want to unplug. Start with an hour or two each evening, then work into full days and weekends. If you have no schedule or essential reason to know the time, I recommend starting with blocking your clocks (a simple Post-It note over the home clocks will do).
Where can you find an area of no wifi or cell service (without having to endure back-country camping) in 2023? For holiday time we find it in the cottages of The Lodge at Pine Cove on the French River. As for single days or weekends simply turn off your router or data, if you can’t resist the temptation to check your device.
The degree of your addiction to digital connectivity will likely reflect in the discomfort you feel when trying to avoid it. Stick with it - you will experience the benefits with each consecutive time you do it.
