Digital Detox

Put your phone down... log off... shut down... and remember your roots.  

Today, I did a digital detox, not checking my phone, no social media and no logging onto Canvas. I stayed away from my computer and my phone, and this is how it went...

Something's missing... 

At first, it was like I was missing a part of my body! I kept going to pick up my phone and had to stop myself. Throughout the day (which was a busy one as I was teaching 22 little 8 year olds all day), it was easy not to be near my phone. Most days, I barely get a chance to check my phone, let alone, log onto Facebook or Instagram to see what I am missing. At work, I barely have time to remember to drink water. However, when I got home, it was a bit more challenging because after work is typically when I get caught up on social media and dig into my coursework! 

FOMO or Freedom? 

I didn't expect that I would feel FOMO, but I did. No one has ever suggested or invited me to do a digital detox before, I was surprised when I reached for my phone, stopped myself, then was met with the FOMO thoughts: I wonder what I am missing? Did my classmate's post something today? I realized that I have FOMO even from blogging (but I couldn't pass up a challenge!) 

I also felt some freedom from the pressure (perhaps self-placed pressure) of checking social media being lifted. It was nice to take a step back, unplug and reconnect with myself. I think it is easy to get caught up in the digital world (which isn't a bad thing as this course is teaching me), however, I enjoyed spending a whole 12 hours away from the digital world. For me, my roots are being in nature, being present with my surroundings. I enjoyed my little learners today, paid close attention to their sweet smiles and innovative thoughts and cherished the day as one of our last days together. My challenge unconsciously extended to them a bit as we took learning outside with clipboards, pencils and paper, did our P.E. class outside and even spent some extra play time outside. I think we spent more time outside than we did inside and it helped me feel better (like finding a calm in the storm). 

Home Sweet Phone: 

I feel the online world looks exactly as I left it, aside from the constant flow of posts and information. I did learn however that my life needs a balance and every now and then, time away from the digital world is a healthy habit. 

It feels good to have a balance of both, rooted in the real world while growing connections in the digital world. 

When you finished your digital detox, what did you go on first (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook?)