Random Observation/Comment #495: Give yourself time to be alone. We’re social creatures that need our space.
With the growth of our constant access to the internet, it’s not surprising that a lot of people are doing these “digital cleansing” phases. During these times, we go offline, off the grid, disconnect, see people, do physical things and not worry about bragging about it to the world 5 seconds later. Here’s the perfect example:
Why should you disconnect?
You stop worrying about your image and branding
You make meaningful connections outside of easy text messages and happy birthday posts
You take effort to make a difference
You don’t try to capture the moment in a timeline, but save it in your memory
You keep your brain sharp by using it to store information
You learn to listen better
You focus better when you’re not constantly distracted
You stop multi-switching and actually get one thing done instead of starting 10 things
You get to know people better from the things they say
You get some fresh air
You experience from your own eyes
You feel connected with eye contact instead of “likes”
You smile from hugs instead of “retweets”
You get to be alone with your thoughts
You improve your posture by not curling over looking at your phone all the time
You improve on your observation skills by looking around
You increase your opportunities of being surprised
You live by your own standards instead of by the ridiculously ideal ones set by others
You don’t get caught into a spiral of procrastination and content consuming
You learn to set longer term goals
You don’t get drugged into instant gratification
You learn to appreciate things that take time, patience, and hard work
You stop becoming ADHD
You pay attention more and therefore slow down time
You stop feeding your ego
You escape the societal ideals of self-worth and stop being self conscious that you’re not as good as someone else
You appreciate experts when you see them (the internet is filled with lies)
You embrace being absent so you can reflect internally
You learn to dream your own dreams that are pure to yourself and void of outside judgment
You start living
Sometimes, just forget your phone and appreciate being connected with those in front of you.
