The Internet. Oh, the Internet. I love it and I hate it all at the same time.
I love that I have information at my fingertips (thank you Google & Pinterest!). I love that I can stay connected to friends and family. I love that I can write and share my heart with others.
But I hate that it’s the Black Hole of my spare time. Oh, I am just getting on my laptop (or phone) for a few minutes, I tell myself. But an hour later I am still there. And the more I am on it the more I feel distracted and unfocussed, unproductive, forgetful, self-absorbed, short-tempered and lonely.
Can I get an amen?
Wouldn’t it be nice to feel more focussed and engaged in “real life?” Wouldn’t it be nice to feel like you were fully present when with your significant other, children, or friends? Wouldn’t it be nice to go through a day without checking your phone every 5 minutes?
I know firsthand how hard it is to unplug. I’ve had to be very deliberate in finding ways to log off and live offline. Here are some of the first things I’ve done to unplug and enjoy life:
Enlist the help of real, face-to-face people
Confide in a spouse or trusted friend that you have a goal to be online less. Give them permission to ask you at any time about your online habits. Deep-set habits are much easier to break when you have someone to bear the burden with you and hold you accountable.
Ditch the apps
If you are on your phone too much scrolling through your Facebook newsfeed or Twitter feed, remove the app from your phone. Let the only time you use the medium when you are on a computer.
Unplug for a day (or more)
At regular intervals, take a day (or week) off from using social media. Purposefully spending time offline helps you connect and participate in real life. When I first started taking a day off from being online it was HARD, but each week it got easier. I even look forward to be offline days now.
The Internet and social media aren’t bad in themselves. It’s the way we use them and how much we use them that becomes the problem. The Internet is a tool, not a way of life. It’s a tool, not our primary source of social interaction.
My experience in choosing to be offline more than online is ongoing, but the steps I’ve taken to this point have allowed me to embrace a fuller, richer, simpler and more enjoyable life. Depression has lifted. Focus, patience and joy have returned. And I am a better wife and mom because of it. My hope is that you can experience the same.
How do you keep your online habits in check?
Need help unplugging? Check out the Unwired Mom. It’s got some great tips and steps to help you unplug and engage more in the real world.
