My 10 Day Technology Detox
10 Day Technology Detox – My Story
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced during the last 2 months of transitioning from my corporate job to being a full time coach has been Technology. I’m very grateful for this wonderful amazing space to coach, however, there have been a few technology bumps along the way.
I’ve learned that:
- External hard drives don’t last forever. If yours is more than 5 years old it’s time you get a new one or you could lose everything.
- Backing up your iPhone doesn’t mean it backs up to iCloud. Especially if you are on an Exchange server. Log on to your iCloud account to see what’s there. If there are no contacts enter them into iCloud today.
- Home Wi-Fi routers & modems don’t last forever. They may stop working when you least expect it
After my home Wi-Fi router & modem stopped working unexpectedly one Tuesday afternoon at 2pm I had a meltdown. My energy was zapped. I was so drained by the whole experience. Being on the phone with my service provider for an hour then finally, going to their office to get new equipment. After that I couldn’t deal with it any more. I thought, WOW, what is going on? Have I become so tethered to the internet, my phone, my laptop that I can’t function without it? I realized I was relying so heavily on technology as part of my daily life but knew I hadn’t always been like this.
I started thinking back to January 1997. This is when I started my first job as a staff accountant with Market Day in Itasca, Illinois (NW suburb of Chicago).
I was so excited to start my first real job. I had a desk top with Windows 95 and email. I went to work and worked from 8am – 5pm and that was it. No laptop to bring home, no email to check at night, no cell phone to check messages or text and no Facebook to photos too.
Somehow I survived without a cell phone and without home internet. Can you imagine?? For most of you can remember your first job with limited technology and demands. Then, slowly over time technology has evolved and increasing become more important in our daily lives. It’s how we work, it’s how we communicate and it’s how we stay connected.
After I took the rest of the night off, the next day I got my home Wi-Fi back up and running but I still felt drained. I needed a break. I knew I had to unplug from technology for a while. That’s when I decided to go on a 10 Day Technology Detox. No Email, No Facebook, No TV, No texting, No phone. That was my intention. However, easier said than done and given I was traveling I had to have some communication so I modified it to No Email, No Facebook, No TV and limited texting and limited phone.
I even put this out of office message on my Gmail:
Hi! Thank you for your message. I’m currently on a Technology Detox vacation and will not be checking my email. I will reply to your message when on Friday, February 20th.
With Gratitude,
Sarah
I set a healthy boundary with my technology and told my family, close friends and clients my intentions.
I felt so free. No need to keep looking at my phone wondering who’s call had I missed, who do I need to text, what emails am I missing out on. They would all be there when I got back.
I needed this time to detox. To let it go. Knowing that I would be back and able to reconnect.
During this time I spent time exploring my new surroundings, soaking in the sun, being in nature, journaling (old school pen & paper) and reading (again old school an actual book).
I found myself being very mindful and aware of my surroundings, listening to the sounds of nature, and allowing myself to be very creative.
I started thinking about new fun things I want to like becoming a certified yoga instructor, writing a book and creating new coaching programs.
It’s amazing once you power down what starts to power up inside you.
Spring break is approaching. For those of you who are going to be traveling or getting away I encourage you to take a Technology Detox of your own. Know that that life will go on if you power down for a few days. You will come back relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated.
Think about how much screen time are you actually using each day? 8 hours, 10 hours, 12 hours?
Do you have trouble sleeping at night?
Do you allow yourself enough time to power down at night?
Do you need help to set healthy technology boundaries? Ask me.
What I want for you is to give yourself a break. If you can’t take a 10 day Technology Detox, can you start with 2 days? Take this upcoming weekend to unplug and detox.
What will you discover or uncover about yourself?
I’m here to support you. Please let me at sarahucoach@gmail.com to let me know how. I’m excited to hear about your Technology Detox.
With Gratitude,
Sarah