I said recently, in this post, that I was going to take a long weekend off the Internet and then only use it minimally for thirty whole days. We're into the minimal bit now and even though I've done far more extreme digital detoxes in the past, for some reason, I always dread the first bit:
The withdrawal bit.
"It's hard for my mind to acclimatise back to real life."
Going offline is easier said than done. Firstly, you have to really make plans to ensure that you can actually afford yourself of the privilege of logging off entirely. You have to ensure you're safe, that things will tick over nicely while you're not there to monitor them, and that you've actually got things to do so that you don't just cave straight away.
What I find is that I might block my iMac down entirely - using Cold Turkey's Frozen Turkey setting to entirely block the computer - with a double whammy of SelfControl blocking lots of annoyingly addictive websites. (Even down to Wikipedia for me.) But then I'll still be drawn to my iPad, so that needs locking down with a screentime passcode set by a relative. Then I'll be tempted to dig out my old Windows laptop from 2011 and sluggishly get my fix that way. So, you have to navigate those urges quite sensibly. (Easier said than done, to be quite honest.)
It's hard for my mind to acclimatise back to real life. You might set yourself crafty bits to do, books to read, TV to watch - but the lure of the Internet is so strong.
My mood takes a dip. I feel way worse before I feel better. I get anxious; even more so than usual. I get jittery. I get irritable. I get frustrated at those around me still using their screens - the jammy beggars. And so, generally, you feel like a.) the only one who's living in reality and b.) really quite shit. You become an absolute nightmare to be around and so everyone around you just tells you do 'just go back on your iPad! If it's making you this miserable, don't deprive yourself!'
But, the reality is, while the initial part of a detox is horrible. You do gain a lot from it after a few days. So, depriving yourself might be awful to begin with, but it does get better. It's unfortunate that a lot of people fall into the trap of going back on their devices at this stage, because you don't reap the benefits that come from going offline. You realise how awful the withdrawal is without giving yourself a chance to actually reap the benefits that would sustain a better screen/life balance.
For me, the advantages start at around three days. Three weeks is another milestone where I've noticed things feeling better and lighter. What is it they say? Good things come in threes? This is no exception. This is why I always aim to 'detox' for a long weekend. Two days won't be enough. You need three or four to really make a difference to your wellbeing.
If you're going to try it, let me warn you: you will be so bored. But that is a good thing. Boredom is actually proven to be quite good for us, in moderation. So maybe get off your devices for a bit and let yourself be bored.
Until next time,
Kate
x
Post a Comment