So, one of the hardest challenges for the summer reading program was actually to go screen free for a day. I picked Sunday, August 11. The specific wording for the challenge was “go e-device (or screen) free for A DAY!”. I chose to interpret the challenge quite literally, and as broadly as possible. Basically, if it had a screen, I didn’t use or look at it. This included my computer, ipad, kindle, and hardest of all, my phone. The only caveat I put on this challenge was that I could make and answer phone calls. I specifically put this caveat in place because Griffin was travelling and needed to be able to reach me. I also decided to wear my apple watch, because I only use it to tell the time.
My screen free plan
So, in preparation I made a list of chores that I wanted to complete. I also had a book that I wanted to finish reading on my screen free day. My backup plan was toplan in more detail the upcoming scenes I needed to write, if I got really desperate. I thought I was pretty prepared for spending the day without my main source of entertainment.
What actually happened…
The first thing on my screen free day that I noticed was how quiet the house was. Like I said, Griffin was traveling so it was just O’Neill and I in the house. O’Neill is a terrible conversationalist. Fortunately, a couple years ago I purchased a record player and a couple of records. So, I found it and listened to my five records for most of the day. That was actually quite fun. There is something about listening to records that is different from listening to music on my phone. Perhaps because I only had five albums instead of the entire internet’s worth of music at my fingertips.
Time goes weird
The second thing I noticed was that I got bored. I forget that boredom isn’t necessarily a bad thing. But I when I am bored I go to my phone or online, if I’m on my computer, and scroll endlessly. So, with that outlet out of reach when I got bored I just changed what I was doing. Whether it was washing the dishes or folding laundry, or just sitting back down on the couch to continue reading.
The third thing I noticed was that I seemed to have a lot more time. The day went by a lot slower. Granted, I only left the house for a short period of time, but still, I felt I time for what I needed to get accomplished.
An Adventure?
Fourth, I, partway through the morning, thought that perhaps I should try to accomplish a couple of the reading program challenges, but then I realized that I didn’t know 1) where any Santa Cruz County Parks were, and 2) I didn’t know when any library programs where happening. And that information was conveniently located online. But, I had a plan. I was going to stop by the local library branch and solicit the help of a bemused librarian to figure these things out. Unfortunately, the local branch was closed. And, instead of driving around trying to find an open library, I chose to put off the adventures. Also, I realized that I would need to write down directions to any county park, because, I couldn’t use GPS. I felt like I probably would have gotten lost. But that is part of the fun.
I did talk to Griffin on the phone, and I did call my mom later that day because I was lonely. One of the things I think happens when I can’t just turn my phone on and distract myself with social media is that I remember to connect with people more, and I like that.
Did I miss anything?
So, what did I miss? I missed my audio books. They typically keep me company when the house is quiet and when I’m doing chores. I missed being able to text funny pictures of O’Neill to my friends. I also thought up a bunch of things I ABSOLUTELY needed to do on my computer, none of which I have done yet. Other than that, I didn’t really miss the endless social media scrolling or playing games. I also missed instantaneous information at my fingertips, but at the same time, not having instant information to distract me allowed me to focus a lot better.
The takeaway
If you haven’t tried to do one of these screen free days I highly encourage you to try it. It was actually kind of a fun challenge, and I’m trying to figure out what elements I want to continue to incorporate into my life. I think having a regular day where I try to not use my phone would be good. Disconnecting from the internet was refreshing. I also think that putting a moratorium on social media or phone use in general in the mornings would be incredibly helpful for my productivity. Perhaps I will actually turn on the ringer and then just leave it in the kitchen where I know where it is and can get to it if someone calls. All in all, I’m really glad that I did this challenge, and I think you all should try a screen free day and let me know how you did!
