On Friday I turned off our Wifi and mobile data. After that I played hide'n'seek with my kids, taught my son to play chess, played guitar and banjo, went to sauna, read books, burned woods in fireplace, slept 9 hours each night, went outside, didn't worry about the world around us. And for first time in a long time felt like I had rested properly during the weekend. 5/5, would recommend and will definitely do again next weekend.
I did two 10 day meditation retreats a long time back. No cell phones, no internet, no computers, no talking, no reading. The first time, the first two days were hell, I craved for listening to music, talking to people, programming, even simple daily routines. Then at some point comes acceptance and over the retreat you mind can finally unload a whole bunch of crap and then become more peaceful.<p>(The second time was easier, because you know the strong cravings will come and go away again.)
I'm planning to do something similar but for the whole week. Remove internet access from my home (wired and mobile). Have an outside office to work (i.e libraries, coffee shops, etc) and check my messages/texts whenever i go outside/to campus and have internet access.<p>Granted, i'm in university and probably that's the main reason i can afford to do this. I hope that once i get used to the "new normal" my real interests will start to emerge. Build my attention and actually use my time wisely and with purpose.
I have a daily ritual here where I spend 6 to 8 hours disconnected from the world and it’s an absolutely essential part of my wellbeing, I find if I don’t do this my ability to function rapidly declines in as little as 3 days…<p>In case it wasn’t obvious I’m talking about sleep.
Feel like I'm more stuck to screens because I need more in person human interactions.. going outside only work for so much when you're in a little hamlet.