The Great Unplug
After being assigned a project where we were required no technology for 24 hours, I knew I had to write a blog about it. Throughout my experience of this project, I found that even though the project was called 24 Hours of Hell, it didn’t feel like that and was instead the refresher that I needed. This experience really put into perspective for me how much I spend my hours of the day on technology and how much technology has been incorporated in my daily routine, even in the smallest ways. Whether I am listening to music at the gym, reaching for my phone to scroll on instagram when I am waiting for something, or using it to look things up, I truly realized how much it is involved in my daily routine. The 24 hours was mixed with nostalgia, unexpected productivity, and mindful awareness. Here is what happened in those 24 hours.
The day I chose to be without my phone for 24 hours was on Monday 11th, and on this day the main thing I had was work since we didn’t have classes. When the 24 hours first started, I usually always check my phone for notifications and text my family and friends good morning. As I woke up on this particular day, I realized that without my phone, I got out of bed immediately and got my day started without the texting and the scrolling that keeps me in bed for longer. After I woke up, I made some breakfast and coffee then I knew I had to be at work at 11 am so I had some free time before I went.
Trying to decide what to do, I remembered that I work next to a marina that I have always wanted to walk around in, so I decided to get to work earlier before I had to be there at 11. As I was walking, I usually would have my earphones in or have my phone but having no technology I truly got to realize the details around me. I started playing a game where I read the names of all the boats parked in the marina and if I had a boat what would I name it. I walked for about 40 minutes before work then when I clocked in I noticed that I was very focused throughout my shift and wasn’t tired after either, maybe it was the walk beforehand that put me in a good headspace going into the work day.
During my breaks, I usually check my texts and see what my friends and family are up to, but having the phone call exception I called my mom instead and told her about my day so far and she told me about hers. After my break finished, I continued with my shift and after I finished I was feeling very productive, so I went back home and decided to deep clean my space and organize my room. After I finished it was about 6 pm, so I decided to go pick up one of my favorite salads from a restaurant near the marina as well. As I was driving I realized that the whole day I had been driving in silence which was very strange to be since I always have something playing in the background, but without music I could truly hear the sounds around me.
When I picked my salad up I took it back to the apartment and hung out with my roommate for a little bit. Then trying to decide what to do, at this point of the day I usually put on a TV show or work on a homework assignment, but without technology I journaled about my day and how much I realized how relaxing this day was. It felt so nice having a day with no distractions and I was able to spend so much of it in a calm state. This day without technology made me realize how much technology has a grasp on our lives and to the point where it is depicted as “weird” if we are without it. After today, I have made it a rule for me where I am going to have a day every month where I do spend it with little to no technology to really see where it takes me. This project showed me so much about the power of technology and taught me more about myself as well.