I fully disconnected from all things digital between May 1 and June 1. 32 days without any television, social media, movies, sports, podcasts, YouTube etc. Only music, books, and the Bible.

Was it harder or easier than I expected? Easier. Much easier. More important, I found it more peaceful than expected. I was happier than normal and felt a reduction in stress.

My goal was to slow things and become more present. I wanted to spend more time with friends and family and in projects/actives that create value.

Biggest observation?  Time moved slower…We have constant inputs in our lives, many of which create interruptions, delay task completion and/or cause distraction.  The famous question “where did my day go?” occurred less frequently during the break.  My journal entry for May 20 stated, “20 days has felt like 30 days”.  In the aftermath, 32 days felt more like 45 days.  May was a great month, but it didn’t “fly right by” like most others.

How did I replace my time?  I read much more…I increased the amount of Bible reading during this time and completed 8 books (the 9^th was completed on day 34…I was so close).  I spent much more time with friends during the month of May than any month since the beginning of COVID-19.

I spent time self-reflecting and praying…and more time just thinking.  When you fully disconnect, you have moments of boredom.  Digital inputs have replaced that boredom over the years.  You know, TV watching or checking social media.  Your moments of boredom vary from a couple of minutes while waiting in line to several hours.  I wasn’t filling this time with new information. 

My time was spent processing information already stored in my brain.  This gave me a few moments of clarity—what is going well?  What do I need to improve on?  Who do I need to reach out to?  What are my current expectations?  What am I thankful for?  What do I need to be more thankful for?  Am I involved in any “waste of time” activities that should be evaluated?  I was able to dive much deeper into to these questions with less noise around me. 

I identified a few opportunities and personal goals throughout this process.  I journaled my thoughts and ideas during the break with plans to re-visit once a month—I don’t want to forget.  The break was peaceful.  I was still aware of the larger current event items, although I usually heard about most news items a few days late by word of mouth

Here are some of my other observations:

Cell phones usage by others was more visible to me including at home, out to dinner, social events, etc.  This observation makes me believe I spend too much time on mine.  I was a social event with 7 other people and at one moment realized all 7 were all quietly staring at their cell phones.  Madness.  In fact, my screen time dropped by 50% month over month.  And it was back up by 25% from June 2 through June 8.  I am re-evaluating installed apps and creating rules within technology to become more intentional of when and how much time to use my phone.  This isn’t just social media, this also includes email (personal and business), text messages, news and information. 

I didn’t miss television at all until day 30.  I was bored and extremely tired at 7:00 PM after a 9-hour drive.  I didn’t feel like reading or socializing.  I just wanted to veg out.  I’m surprised it took me 30 days to get there.  I’ve barely watched television since reconnecting.

I used to go to bed with the television on.  I’ve always believed I needed stimulation to shut my brain off.  Falling asleep to silence has been difficult in the past, yet I can fall asleep to a TV within 10-15 minutes.  This created a 30-year habit of rarely sleeping without a television.  And when I say rare, I mean less than 1% of the time.  Yet I did for 32 days no problem…maybe I don’t need it.  Maybe I don’t need a television in the bedroom at all?  It’s a great question to continue pondering….Hmm.

I missed podcasts less than I thought.  In fact, podcasts occupy less than half the time they normally do since June 2. 

I read 8 books in a month which is the absolute craziest pace of my life.  Most fun book to read: “Green Lights” by Matthew McConaughey.  (I did the audiobook version of this which is narrated by Matthew McConaughey.  His voice doing the story telling adds to the book’s overall enjoyment).  Best book: “Finding Ultra” by Rich Roll.  I listed to more music than normal.  The album with heaviest rotation was “Petra Praise – The Rock Cries Out”.  Lots of great 80s/90s church music I grew up with. 

Would I do it again?  Yes.  I would like to make this a once-a-year event.   I think everyone should disconnect periodically.

Quick hit observations:

I’m not good at multitasking. In fact, I think the necessity of multitasking we’ve been told is a lie.  I do things better from beginning to end when I can.

I need to avoid being busy just to be busy…not all busy is good.  This area of my life needs constant re-evaluation.

I missed following “Wichita by EB” on Facebook.  I’ve tried so many restaurants under his recommendation and enjoy his reviews.  It is part of my daily routine.

Phones are tools, not necessities.  I want to be more intentional and less zombie.

Go get it.