How I Know When to Unplug

Daily writing prompt

How do you know when it’s time to unplug? What do you do to make it happen?

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A few years ago a friend of mine told me a story about his grandmother. She was a prolific cook and possessed several cookbooks which she prized. One year, as a gift, her family bought her a tablet so she could consolidate all of her recipes and ideas into one place. It was thought that this would make her life more efficient and simpler.

Quite the opposite occurred. She did give the ole college try but soon felt something was off. She actually felt this pull to the tablet. A physical and mental attraction as if the device was connecting to her.

Being an “old school” type she quickly put the tablet down and never returned. She happily steered back to her physical books and was content once more. It didn’t take her long to feel that foreign, uncomfortable pull of technology and quickly assess that it just wasn’t right for her.

Now, many of us young(er) types may shake our heads and chalk it up to a lack of openmindedness or acting like a curmudgeon. But I think there’s more at play here.

The silent, natural desire to unplug

Lately, I’ve been sensing a desire to shift some habits. Like most of human existence, I consume my fair share of content–most of it online. It’s easy to do. As more and more information, entertainment (remember magazines?), and, honestly everything moves to the digital space, we seem to be mindlessly consuming like a dog on bacon.

But is it all good for us?

Now, let me be clear. I’m not speaking about the type of content you’re consuming. I’m talking about the amount. Yes, the type is just as, if not more important than the amount but that’s a whole other discussion.

I just find myself tired and empty after reading, watching, or listening to online content. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a lot of great stuff out there and more than we could ever want or need, but that’s really the point. Do we need to constantly be online for every piece of information we consume? Do we actually need to be plugged in at all times? And how does all this really make us feel? What is it doing to our attention spans, abilities to focus, and overall well-being?

More than a feeling

I could cite numerous studies and reports on the detriment of our attention, focus, and mental health when it comes to consuming large amounts of online content, and there are many. But I’m a bit more motivated by how it makes me feel.

I don’t feel better, I’m not all that much more informed, and I’m not motivated. Above all, I actually feel more distanced from my own thoughts. Distanced from my innate purpose and true, deep desires.

So, how do I unplug? I simply and literally unplug. Put down the phone, close the laptop, and switch off for a while.

Your brain will thank you.