Unplugged
05.22.08 | 05:49 PM CDT
Do you ever look forward to escaping from the day by not using technology? Do you think that this is even possible? Now I’m not talking about living sans electricity or without a hot shower, but some of your daily leisure tasks.
How many times do we work all day on the computer, only to get home to surf, watch TV from our DVR’s, or meet up with some friends online to play some Xbox? As someone who works in IT, escaping from technology just isn’t plausible. However, limiting it in some of my leisure tasks can be reduced.
It was something that I realized I had wanted to do for awhile. I love typing on my old typewriter. Choosing a razor sharp pencil to jot down some words on a bright white sheet of paper brings me joy. How about reading outdoors alongside a gentle breeze? There are just so many things to list, but I have put together a few of my efforts.
Work
- Type up all correspondence on an old typewriter. I have an old Royal that I rescued from a junk yard in my hometown. It’s one of my favorite household items now.
- Use pencils instead of your computer to type memos and other correspondence. I’m sure you need the practice exercising your penmanship skills.
- Draw out designs by hand. Colored pencils, markers, and crayons are fun to rediscover for just such work.
Recreation
- Play cards or break out the old board games. Beating my girlfriend at Monopoly or Stratego has become a favorite pastime.
- Go for a run. This one is easy for me. As a long distance runner, I know that running clears my mind for a mess of ideas that I always have in my head. A brisk walk will be no compromise either.
- Pick a random sport where you many have just a slight interest in, and give it a try. You’ll be surprised how easily you are able to immerse yourself in it. You might not turn pro, but you’ll know you expanded your horizons.
- Read. It is something that I absolutely don’t do much of when I’m busy, and not reading is a terrible habit to get into. Invest in some quiet time alone with a book.
So far, I’ve been doing quite well with my unpluggedness. When I have the option, it’s better to avoid the extra stimulation and forgo the modern computer. Try it, your brain will thank you.
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