You may remember my mini-series on using social media in a positive way. I had read a post by Ima 2 Seven where she discussed a thought-provoking article about a social media mommy making the decision to cut the internet out of her home. The whole online discussion prompted me to think about my relationship with the internet.
One of the things I’ve implemented since doing those posts is a daily no-internet time zone. Though I haven’t always succeeded in keeping to the schedule, the times when I have stuck to it, I noticed a marked upswing in my productivity, both mental and physical. I found other ways to unwind, like reading a book, or watching my kids play (what a concept!). I found myself less drawn to the computer, and it easier to walk away when I’m finished with whatever it is I’m doing.
When I shared my positive outcomes with Margalit Hoffman, who wrote the initial article on MavenMall, she introduced me to DaytoDisconnect.com. This campaign, sponsored by Ohr Naava, asks people to register to disconnect for an hour or more on Sunday, October 2nd, Tzom Gedaliah. That hour can be spent reconnecting with people in your life face-to-face, davening, listening to music, or whatever you feel moved to do. The only stipulation is that it’s not online or through texting.
This idea appealed to me so much that I signed up for the whole day.
Obviously that isn’t practical for everyone (possibly even myself), but it seems like a very worthwhile goal for the fast day during the Aseres Yemei Teshuvah. Just saying.
I will leave off with a video which I found very moving:
Rivki Silver ~ thoughts & music 
its not easy these days cutting the net out of your life…. as our mobile give us even more frlexibility and access …. anywhere time… it really doesnt help.
it’s true, it really takes a certain level of self-control to turn it off. However, it feels great to connect with people IRL, as well as the feeling of accomplishing a difficult task. Win win. Warm fuzzies all around. :)
I just find that some things are really addictive. Fb blogging etc etc and when you try to switch off and walk away you have your iPhone with you at all times.
The other day I sat in my doctors surgery and wrote a blog…
I think that’s the point, though. That these things are really addictive, which is why it’s important to exercise our self-control and unplug for even a small amount of time (like an hour). Then when we do plug in, it’s for productive reasons, not just because it’s addictive. For sure, you can do tons of productive things online, but it’s better to do them out of free will rather than addiction. :)
So true!! If I put my iPhone down I feel like something is missing… I do have a time where I will switch off and do other things…
What sometimes annoys me is all these gadgets just encourage you rather than be there to just help and encourage.
I know. Sometimes it seems like the manufacturer’s of these items WANT us to be glued to them all the time and to drop out of being in the human race. You can do work on them, you can call people, text, type up reports, everything but be there for your family and friends. And with everything getting faster, they don’t encourage you to spend more time with others, they say “Now you can do EVEN MORE!” Grr.
I meant to helP and make life easier.
Great post! I find the same thing. Yes, I need the computer for certain things (preparing for school, typing newsletters, connecting with family members and friends, um.. shopping…) when I limit my time on it, I have much happier children and an enjoyable day. These days, I’ve been limiting myself to when my older daughter is napping (it makes it a real choice – go online, get something done, or go to sleep) and once she goes to bed at night. She loves the attention, I love spending time with her, teaching, guiding and being a Mommy, and we can do some of the things we need to do around the house together, like baking or laundry.
I LOVE the idea of Day to Disconnect. I signed up as well. Good luck!
Looking forward to hearing your reflections after you’re done. Shana Tova!
thanks, Nina. Shana Tova!