DAILY DIGITAL DETOX: A Steemit Community Life Series & Reminder | E.20 - Intentionally / Regularly Unplugging + my Quick Engagement Poll to you!
I have taken this subject pretty seriously over the years. You need time offline.
Regularly & Intentionally. For lots of reasons.
THE DIGITAL DETOX SERIES OBJECTIVE SERIES CONSTANTS:
My plan with this series is to intentionally remind you, daily to get offline, give your brain, eyes, soul a break and time to reset and remind you that relationships with people can suffer if you are always on your phone and not PRESENT -- in every sense of the word.
The irony of bringing this series to you online, asking you to get offline, on an online blogging platform, is not lost on me.
![](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/http://i.imgur.com/hOvbMSg.jpg)
There have been limited studies done on some of the effects of this digital hold on our lives and they are concerning to say the least. Social media use appears to encourage some of the following negative effects, some of which we hear about regularly now:
-- Narcissism
-- Screen time/white light/activity appears to be causing insomnia/broken sleep cycles (circadian rhythm)
-- Detached reality making our society and kids less empathetic and in touch with reality
Results from the few studies that have been done are troubling. Social media appears to promote narcissism, smartphones could be causing insomnia, and screens seem to be making our kids less empathetic.
Earlier posts in this series covered that in more detail.
![](https://steemitimages.com/DQmWGQ9N7Ysr3o9dir4G6hXrK9s7dfAoCbjmf6YQz4Uthdw/image.png)
TODAY'S DIGITAL DETOX TIDBIT:
FIND A DIGITAL DETOX BUDDY AS SUPPORT:
"Things are always easier when you team up with someone,"
says one doctor....
"So why not pair up with a 'detox buddy'? With this support, you can discuss your progress, encourage each other to keep going and spend time together face-to-face rather than messaging through a screen. A detox buddy will keep you honest."
Work your way up to where you have peace and can stay off your devices for a whole day, then a 2 day weekend, then a 3 day long weekend. Then a week!
Take a break from all social media / texts / work email, etc.
- If you know you lack the self control, try a specially designed holiday or break - for companies that offer Digital Detox breaks or retreats, where the support is built in to help you!
No shame, do it if you need the help. YOU are worth it and will be better off!
Find a Digital Detox buddy as was mentioned above to do these things with, it helps to have support in place for little things like this.
I've blogged here and in the past about this, but new people are finding the posts, or searching online, so I am saying this again today because it is VERY very important:
Keep tech/devices out of your bedroom and your kids rooms:
A constant tip is change 1 habit at a time, so I will keep this in the series.
Reminder: (see past posts) -- Try to use proper, healthy posture techniques always and be purposeful about this.
--
![](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmf1arqx2khHNCfb25mArX4oSsRC4T4RZ4qcQASQe5gNW2/image.png)
--
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/posture-for-a-healthy-back
Stick with it and make notes daily about how you feel doing this! Share thoughts with a friend or 2!
--
I don't embed my sources like "professional bloggers" -- 9/10 times -- people don't click the sources anyways, let alone hover the cursor to even check quickly, and this way, they can SEE the sources / url's -- that's what I prefer myself anyways, so if i get flagged, I get flagged, I am trying to appeal to the masses here.
It is more than just unplugging intentionally as I call it -- it is a return to some societal values that we have abandoned in favour of having all the access to data and online resources we have -- a shift is required. However:
Intentional Unplugging as I call it -- is a huge and necessary step.
![](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/http://i.imgur.com/SoPEYd9.jpg)
--
As a reminder of what we see daily in the PHYSICAL realm of problems, here is a graphic showing the damage of the neck and spine as it relates to pounds of pressure looking downwards all the time:
--
![](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/http://i.imgur.com/99sy9N2.jpg)
--
(Sorry this is grainy but I enlarged this 2x, so you could see it better. This is right from the Ontario Chiropractic Association (hard to read but that is the source) -- and I wanted this unedited, it was a jpeg and resizing those means less quality)
My Community Engagement questions to you, today, if you have read this far are simple and will evolve over time:
Did you INTENTIONALLY "unplug" or stay offline this week? How many times? Give yourself 1 point for each day in your reply!
Did you unplug with a family member / friends intentionally this week and thus CONNECT to them meaningfully? If yes, give yourself a point in the reply section?
Have you realized this is a problem in your life, because that is the FIRST step! If so - 2 points for you!
Are you aware of this problem around you and your friends and family and have you addressed it with others? If so, you get a point also! ( Note I have always used the word "addressed" in this series, some people confuse this word with telling others what to do.... this is not the same thing. Dialogue with others is the goal. Awareness.)
Did you put your devices in another room at dinner time and at bedtime this week intentionally? That's a point each time, champ! List it! Think on it!!
Please tally up your points, list it in a reply and please open up about how you feel about these issues in your life and the world today!! Why??
Because this is a Community Resource and I care and we are all in this together. None of us are getting out alive.
That is the end of today's post in this series. I wanted to cover all the basics in the Series constants, as usual, for all the new people reading this post for the first time,
If you are still reading -- thank you very much and have a nice day. I hope something here helps you.
![](https://steemitimages.com/DQmWGQ9N7Ysr3o9dir4G6hXrK9s7dfAoCbjmf6YQz4Uthdw/image.png)
![](https://steemitimages.com/0x0/http://i.imgur.com/68SXQpW.gif)
![](https://steemitimages.com/DQmeMsokLJHgvoqfQt44Zy7Kvmvjr68x51nGqfrtm65zqoe/image.png)
If you liked this blog post - please Resteem it and share good content with others!
--
Some of my recent blogs:
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Please note -- I will have limited internet access for awhile -- so PLEASE do not be upset that I cannot reply right away, or to everyone. I am dealing with some changes, and will have limited time online and will be happy if I get a few blog posts up a week.
![](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/http://i.imgur.com/lV54V8y.jpg)
I have taken this subject pretty seriously over the years. You need time offline.
Regularly & Intentionally. For lots of reasons.
THE DIGITAL DETOX SERIES OBJECTIVE SERIES CONSTANTS:
My plan with this series is to intentionally remind you, daily to get offline, give your brain, eyes, soul a break and time to reset and remind you that relationships with people can suffer if you are always on your phone and not PRESENT -- in every sense of the word.
The irony of bringing this series to you online, asking you to get offline, on an online blogging platform, is not lost on me.
There have been limited studies done on some of the effects of this digital hold on our lives and they are concerning to say the least. Social media use appears to encourage some of the following negative effects, some of which we hear about regularly now:
-- Narcissism
-- Screen time/white light/activity appears to be causing insomnia/broken sleep cycles (circadian rhythm)
-- Detached reality making our society and kids less empathetic and in touch with reality
Results from the few studies that have been done are troubling. Social media appears to promote narcissism, smartphones could be causing insomnia, and screens seem to be making our kids less empathetic.
Earlier posts in this series covered that in more detail.
TODAY'S DIGITAL DETOX TIDBIT:
FIND A DIGITAL DETOX BUDDY AS SUPPORT:
"Things are always easier when you team up with someone,"
says one doctor....
"So why not pair up with a 'detox buddy'? With this support, you can discuss your progress, encourage each other to keep going and spend time together face-to-face rather than messaging through a screen. A detox buddy will keep you honest."
Work your way up to where you have peace and can stay off your devices for a whole day, then a 2 day weekend, then a 3 day long weekend. Then a week!
Take a break from all social media / texts / work email, etc.
- If you know you lack the self control, try a specially designed holiday or break - for companies that offer Digital Detox breaks or retreats, where the support is built in to help you!
No shame, do it if you need the help. YOU are worth it and will be better off!
Find a Digital Detox buddy as was mentioned above to do these things with, it helps to have support in place for little things like this.
I've blogged here and in the past about this, but new people are finding the posts, or searching online, so I am saying this again today because it is VERY very important:
Keep tech/devices out of your bedroom and your kids rooms:
A constant tip is change 1 habit at a time, so I will keep this in the series.
Reminder: (see past posts) -- Try to use proper, healthy posture techniques always and be purposeful about this.
--
--
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/posture-for-a-healthy-back
Stick with it and make notes daily about how you feel doing this! Share thoughts with a friend or 2!
--
I don't embed my sources like "professional bloggers" -- 9/10 times -- people don't click the sources anyways, let alone hover the cursor to even check quickly, and this way, they can SEE the sources / url's -- that's what I prefer myself anyways, so if i get flagged, I get flagged, I am trying to appeal to the masses here.
It is more than just unplugging intentionally as I call it -- it is a return to some societal values that we have abandoned in favour of having all the access to data and online resources we have -- a shift is required. However:
Intentional Unplugging as I call it -- is a huge and necessary step.
--
As a reminder of what we see daily in the PHYSICAL realm of problems, here is a graphic showing the damage of the neck and spine as it relates to pounds of pressure looking downwards all the time:
--
--
(Sorry this is grainy but I enlarged this 2x, so you could see it better. This is right from the Ontario Chiropractic Association (hard to read but that is the source) -- and I wanted this unedited, it was a jpeg and resizing those means less quality)
My Community Engagement questions to you, today, if you have read this far are simple and will evolve over time:
Did you INTENTIONALLY "unplug" or stay offline this week? How many times? Give yourself 1 point for each day in your reply!
Did you unplug with a family member / friends intentionally this week and thus CONNECT to them meaningfully? If yes, give yourself a point in the reply section?
Have you realized this is a problem in your life, because that is the FIRST step! If so - 2 points for you!
Are you aware of this problem around you and your friends and family and have you addressed it with others? If so, you get a point also! ( Note I have always used the word "addressed" in this series, some people confuse this word with telling others what to do.... this is not the same thing. Dialogue with others is the goal. Awareness.)
Did you put your devices in another room at dinner time and at bedtime this week intentionally? That's a point each time, champ! List it! Think on it!!
Please tally up your points, list it in a reply and please open up about how you feel about these issues in your life and the world today!! Why??
Because this is a Community Resource and I care and we are all in this together. None of us are getting out alive.
That is the end of today's post in this series. I wanted to cover all the basics in the Series constants, as usual, for all the new people reading this post for the first time,
If you are still reading -- thank you very much and have a nice day. I hope something here helps you.
If you liked this blog post - please Resteem it and share good content with others!
--
Some of my recent blogs:
--
If you feel my posts are undervalued or you want to donate to tip me - I would appreciate it very much.
Bitcoin (BTC) - 18J6RRuzX4V7b2CDbx7tWZYNBLkkGWsvWX
DASH - XgZvsvSZgPkNbmGbRhc3S1Pt2JAc7QHwiS
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Please note -- I will have limited internet access for awhile -- so PLEASE do not be upset that I cannot reply right away, or to everyone. I am dealing with some changes, and will have limited time online and will be happy if I get a few blog posts up a week.
Bitcoin (BTC) - 18J6RRuzX4V7b2CDbx7tWZYNBLkkGWsvWX
DASH - XgZvsvSZgPkNbmGbRhc3S1Pt2JAc7QHwiS
PIVX - DA3azxQqJiX9t7EviuacpamfNhMi2zGAUh
Expanse (EXP) - 0x819b9cce8630ab638198eabfd7496786c20d629a
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Ethereum (ETH) - 0x3Ad69Ff057C9533ca667B2d7E3E557F5eeFd4477
Ethereum Classic (ETC) - 0x5ab2b08d4ce8d454eb9d1ecc65c6d8b0c5f9784c
LiteCoin (LTC) - LKdsnvSXk9JW99EiNicFMGKc1FXiBo9tUE
Stratis (STRAT) - SNsJp6v1jXvKWy4XcXSXfNQ9zhSJJppJgv
Synereo (AMP) - 1KnrL6wFHaT4gjJ2YJ5f6WmKTDJNsaBS8s
ZCash (ZEC) - t1aCPEYELkGaf3GtgGTiCEDo7XfPm4QEwmL
Please note -- I will have limited internet access for awhile -- so PLEASE do not be upset that I cannot reply right away, or to everyone. I am dealing with some changes, and will have limited time online and will be happy if I get a few blog posts up a week.
Great advice and reminders, there are pitfalls to the digital age. The more we remain aware of proper lifestyle choices the better we will remain aware of healthy computing time habits. Thanks for sharing, blue light breaks are very important, I always log out two hours before sleep.
Excellent points. I try and do the same each nite and set a 10 pm EST hard line for me to be offline before bed too, people should be aware of this..... try it and you will see how awake/wired that light makes being in your eyes like this, it is a clinical fact!
Are you on steemit chat with this user name?? I wanted to ask you a couple questions -- or how can IM you on twitter or something?
If you do not mind. (:
Thanks again for commenting.
I am not on Steemit chat, you can find me on Telegram, Snapchat or Linkedin @lucklight
Good topic touched. Whether you feel it or not but it actually changes alot when you are offline.
I have tired it not like without any phone. I had a phone like nokia small one actually you can't do anything in that thing, i can certainly just receive calls or call someone. I feel that when you are online you are lonely but you feel like you are not. Basically your subconscious mind is very affected with it.
That's an amazing comment my friend, Thanks for taking time!!
I do not have my full voting power back since I vote a lot for people but I gave that a 100% UV (upvote) for you to help you out ----- that vote from me actually turned your reputation score from a 25 to a 27.
I am not a whale but I look every day to help newer people out in these ways ! People have helped me here!
Maybe @neoxian, @hanshotfirst, @ericvancewalton, @theprophet0, @teamsteem, @papa-pepper, @trafalgar, @htooms, will consider giving you a vote in this way to help you out too my friend.
We are in this together.
We Steem On!!!
Have a great day!
Thanks for sharing
The Subject is totaly new for me
Great info
Thanks again , I am happy to be one of your followers as really I read here something new...
I appreciate the feedback today, you are too kind.
I am glad it helps people!!
TY for commenting today!
I will be getting detox in 3 days as I head to the North on a gold panning expedition for 8 days.
Don't forget to take photo's of the mother lode. Cheers
Oh trust me I will be going just that my friend.
This is super news!
Very unique trip indeed and I hope you have a great time up there.
TY for commenting today!
I will keep everyone posted. Thanks
Sweet!
nice posts my friend
TY for commenting today!
Great article, I always make sure to get offline and stay connected with the real world. I like that you are making a whole series reminding people of the dangers of perpetually staying online! I'm going to go and enjoy a walk in the park now.
TY for commenting today! That's awesome, nice words and good for you today!!
I remember I need to do a digital detox only after seeing your posts. You are doing a great job, I'm not :)
The fact you are taking time to comment on this with others, is actually encouraging !!!!
It's an issue for a lot of people, that is why I started this, mindfully, months ago as a series.
Just a reminder and helper.
TY for commenting today!
Some great tips there, when your typing away all day you forget to have a break. Thanks for the reminder. Cheers
Great point. It is very important to be aware of things like this -- everyone will struggle with something different.
An hour away for a lunch break daily and then again at dinner - mindfully -- is a great place to start for most people.
Sometimes you just slip into bad habits, and you don't even realize you have. Cheers
Agreed my friend!
Hi Barry, Great post on the importance of disconnecting from tech. What I really appreciated is that you discussed the importance of posture. Since being in school, my posture has suffered much. My chiropractor calls it student syndrome. I call it poor awareness. Either way, I take off probably two inches just from slouching. I am doing various things to counteract the issue, but I need to really make it a priority. Thanks again, and best wishes to you!
You make good points here, and you are aware of some things in your life, that is encouraging for me to see in my posts from people!
Thanks for the comments and the support!