Unplug

by Charleen Burghardt

It’s so hard to unplug from technology. Have you ever waited at a traffic stop light and felt compelled to look at your phone? You wondered, “Did an important text come in?” “What if I miss an email?”

Downtime

I check my cell phone fifteen times daily out of compulsion and fear of missing something.

Could I experience the symptoms of hurry sickness, which include rushing, anxiousness, and an overwhelming, persistent sense of urgency-even when there is no reason? Maybe I need to consider unplugging from technology.

Hurry Sickness

For example, we experienced limited cell phone and internet service during our Alaska trip. Although this sounds calming, lacking constant, immediate communication unsettled me.

On account of that, I panicked some. Will I miss a message? Will I miss an email?

No phone service and no internet!

During our vacation, we spent five days in Fairbanks and Denali. Both lodges had WiFi, so I didn’t fret. I could communicate whenever and however I wanted.

Then, on day six, we took a train to the ship on the coast of Whitter. The locomotive had no WiFi for 9 ½ hours.

Consequently, frustration set in. Additionally, no email or phone connections existed when we entered the cruise liner and pulled out from the dock.

Panic!

Needless to say, I had no choice and consented to no service. It took me three days to unwind from social media, email, and texting. I felt more relaxed, my mind seemed less cluttered, and I did not feel compelled to check my phone.

As a result, a sense of tranquility washed over me as I immersed myself in the awe-inspiring views, appreciating the picturesque scenery, the snow-capped mountains in the distance, the majestic glaciers, and the clear water in the bay.

I realized that some of my calmness, peace, and wonder came from my pause from digital devices. Do those devices keep me overstimulated?

Unplug from Technology

A break from technology, what a concept!

Even though all my electronic devices enable me to keep in touch, get work done, and help with efficiency, I saw the benefits of unplugging. After all, is it essential to check my phone fifteen times daily or to keep up with news or what’s in my inbox?

Possible to set limits.

I realized the possibility of going home and setting limits on technology. I could allocate some time to abstain from electronic devices and utilize those spare hours for reading, praying, relaxing, reflecting, or engaging in another enjoyable activity. Fasting is a powerful practice for prayer and centering yourself. I can refer to this as a Technology Fast.

Technology Fast

When I got home, I set aside 24 hours on the weekend without electronics. I unplugged from work on the computer, checking my email, texting, and scrolling social media. Without these, my mind got into a quiet space. If someone needs me, they have the option to call.

Interestingly, on Monday morning, I got an email from a friend, “Due to my workload, I will only be checking my email twice a day.” Not only do I admire her personally, but I also respect how she managed to limit distractions to get work done. Her job can be demanding; therefore, she intentionally sets boundaries.

Set Limits

My sister establishes a limit for her peace of mind by not taking phone calls after nine p.m. She sleeps better by limiting any distressing conversation before she goes to bed.

Consider unwinding by unplugging from technology.

Scripture gives us excellent advice, “Calm down and learn that I am God!” Psalm 46:10 (CEV).

Dallas Willard wrote a well-known book, The Spiritual Disciplines, that remains a classic on spiritual growth.
When questioned about growing spiritually, he replied, “You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life.”

Calm down and learn that I am God!

Here are some ideas to slow down

*Spend 15 minutes undistracted with God through study and prayer

*Turn all notifications off your phone for the day

*Go for a walk without your phone; don’t text and drive

*Listen to a song doing nothing else.

*Read a book for fun

*Take a break from technology for a few hours, maybe on the weekend.

I would like to hear your feedback on setting boundaries on technology. Share your thoughts and practices.

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