Happy October! The time of cooler weather, warmer drinks and if you’re me full access to the internet. It’s been thirty days. Days during which I learned quite a bit about myself. As I have mentioned in previous posts, I’m going to be reflecting on the experience as a whole. So, without further ado, here we go…
The Positives
- I was able to build up my reading habit once again after a bit of a dry spell reading-wise this summer.
- I noticed how often I mindlessly perused the internet.
- The month helped me develop an actual sleep schedule, which was a nice bonus.
- I realized I have a lot more time in the day than I previously thought; it became a lot harder to convince myself that I didn’t have time to do something because I was often very aware of how much time was left in the day.
- I started blogging again!
- I realized the bigger issue might be my addiction to checking my phone even if I know there’s no reason to.
- I made more time for self-care because I had more time.
The Negatives
- I missed playing puzzles games on my phone.
- There were a number of blogs and youtube channels that I find inspire me and/or add value to my life, and I missed those.
- Not being able to look up random stuff that I was curious about, even if it had no real importance to what I was doing.
- Being unable to relax by watching a TV show, which I find it hard to focus on reading.
There are almost twice as many positives as negatives, and after reading them through again, I have to say that the impact and importance of the positives drastically outweigh the negatives’. So, overall I think this month of being (nearly) screen-free as been a success. More so than I would have thought.
At the beginning of September, I was curious and skeptical. I thought the month would drag on, that I would catch up on all of my reading, and decide it wasn’t worth doing again. I was scared of being in my own brain so much. I was honestly scared of being bored.
And while the first two weeks did seem to take a while, the last two flew by. I had gotten used to it. It was the new normal. Of course, there were the daily small annoyances, but even then I knew that they would pass as quickly as they’d shown up. Also, after a few days, okay maybe more like a week, my thoughts didn’t seem as overwhelming; I’d gotten used to their constant buzzing, and even began working on tuning them out when I needed to sleep. Turns out boredom isn’t scary, just annoying, and actually does help with productivity at least for me. I’ve become better at not pushing the little or mundane tasks to the side saying “oh, I’ll do those later.” Turns out now is just as good a time as later when you’re looking for ways to fill up time. And it only took a couple of weeks, before this became normal, and I relished in finding time to get all those little things done and still have a little bit of time for myself at the end of the day. I’ve learned to no longer take that free time for granted.
While I didn’t catch up on my reading, or blog every day, or finish editing my novel, or any other of the twenty-thousand (that might be a slight exaggeration) things I’d hoped to accomplish, I did make progress on them. By the end of the month, I was one book closer to catching up on my reading challenge for the year. So I’m no longer falling behind! Forward progress! I blogged a lot more than I would have done had I not done this challenge, and now it’s become a part of my weekly routine. As we enter October, I’m more confident than before that I’ll be able to keep blogging into the future.
I remember mentioning in a blog post a few days (or weeks) back that I was nervous that I would revert back to my old ways. However, I’ve already found (I’m writing this on October 1st) that my habits have changed. I have gone on the internet today, but much much less than I would have before. Where before the moment I got home from work I would have starred at a screen for at least an hour if not more, today I chose not to. I got some things done and then sat down to write.
So, long story short, it was worth it. If you’ve been considering doing something similar, whether for a month, a week, a few days or an afternoon, I highly recommend it. It’s a chance to step back and catch your breath. It’s a chance to see what truly adds value to your life and what doesn’t. I don’t believe the internet is inherently good or bad, but I do think we should be intentional about how we use it.
I would like to take a moment to thank each and every one of you who have been reading along the past thirty days. You’ve been a great accountability partner, and I truly believe writing publically about my experience helped keep me going on those days when I wanted to break the rules. Thank you for all the encouragement and support not only throughout September but in general as well! It truly means a lot.
Until next time,
Acire
P.S. If any of you are thinking of doing something similar let me know down in the comments! I’d love to cheer you on! Also, if there are any types of content you’d like to see here on Scribe’s Canvas in the future, let me know!
Hi there Acire, I thik I should do something simialr but maybe take a day or two away as my work involves screens and I can’t get away from that. As for future content it depends what you’re thinking of but I’ve always enjoyed your creative writing before 🙂
Hi! I recommend it, I have to use a screen at work and I allowed that in the challenge. However, I totally understand wanting to take a step back from screens completely.
I surely rejoice that you stepped into this experiment and saw it through. Wow, it even helped your sleeping/resting – refreshment in terms of rest – I value that for you! Joyful October to you with a spot of tea at just the right temperature!
Thanks, to you as well!
Wow, I absolutely commend you Acire! In our day of age, we are bond by our technology. I look forward to going back and reading your journey—that has led you here! Maybe even doing something similar myself!
Wow, thank you for the kind words! I highly recommend it if you’re feeling up for it
It’s been a joy to watch you on this journey, Acire! It sounds like you’ve gained a lot of valuable insight. I stumbled upon this blog somewhat recently and in going through your archives I noticed that you’ve posted a few songs in the past. You have such a lovely voice! I play guitar and have found music to be one of my favorite ways to unplug and take a break from screens or the internet. If you write more songs in the future, I’m sure your readers would love to hear them- I know that I would! Take care!
Wow, thank you for such a lovely comment! I love music, and can completely understand about it being a great way to unplug. Thank you so much for stopping by!
Yay! I’m glad to have read your experience with no internet. I’ve done something similar but less drastic and it’s helped me a lot. It was Facebook and YouTube that got me for a bit and after I got rid of Facebook (not on my phone), I was doing very good. Lately it’s been television that’s been keeping me from being productive and I have been doing very good this last week with not binging. Anyway, after reading your experience I’m gaining the courage again to go on a digital detox. And I completely agree with purposeful exposure to the internet. And (I’ve said this before) more blogging! lol.