When was the last time you had a whole day off – that includes offline! This morning I read Jemima Kiss’s great article “How I kicked the digital habit” and as I was sharing that on Facebook the whole
I run a business that hosts other people’s websites and feel the need to keep an eye on emails during every day – mainly in case of any hosting issues. What I should instead do is have a firm procedure that does not require me to be constantly watching. Indeed I can’t remember the last time there was an emergency that needed my immediate attention – and that is rarely for a paying customer (let’s not go there today).
My husband is the same but for him it’s his Blackberry – every day is peppered with the tinkle that tells him an email has landed or a wee rumble to say someone’s left a voicemail. I hate that he feels expected to be on call 24 hours a day – he can’t possibly need to be – he has minions even! And what on earth kind of normal are we suggesting to our children? They yearn for our attention and take steps to claim it that is less than enjoyable.
So! today I will step away from the laptop, at least until 6pm – let’s not go cold turkey. And I will miss Skype chatting with my sister (we live on opposite sides of the country but chat every day – I do love that as she’s my best friend too).
All the ideas that spring to mind I will write into one of the many notebooks I have everywhere. Aha! Perhaps if those were more organised I would feel less need to stay linked to the laptop.
My mobile contract runs out this month and the geek in me would love to upgrade to an iPhone or Blackberry or somesuch that does everything – but do I really? I don’t use a tenth of the functions of my Tocco Lite, for goodness sake – what on earth would I do with “apps”?
The concern I do have is that as we become so reliant and connected there will be an over-reactive backlash that will see us not enjoying the wealth of positive things that the web and all this connectivity provides.
What do you think? How easy do you find it to switch off and smell the flowers? Me – I’m going to potter in the garden with the kids after cooking breakfast – really take the day off (after posting this, giving it a tweet and sharing it on Facebook). And if the server fails, well I’ll deal with that tomorrow.
Enjoy your Easter Monday!
Babs
You’re right! I am finding myself more and more “joined at the hip” to my laptop. As for my mobile, well I do need to keep that on me at all times due to the nature of the business but I love what I do so it’s a purden worth putting up with I guess. “But what if I miss something important” my head is screaming – pah, so what, if it’s that important, it’ll still be there tomorrow 🙂
Have a lovely day off Babs!!
Your lil sis! x
Yes, we need to switch off the technology for day and give ourselves a break from the outside world. How nice it would be to disconnect from our constant emails and messages and just appreciate a beautiful day in the garden with our family? Having said that, here I am responding to your blog!!
Step back from the computer and enjoy your easter bank holiday with the children.
Tomorrow however, switch back on and google the great advantages of having an iPhone and the vast choice of apps that are available to download. Could not recommend them more. My recent app is ‘Plane Finder’ , sad but true, I am a plane spotter and proud!! He he.
Must dash, flight BAW417 LUX – LHR at 9950ft is flying over Sevenoaks and don’t want to miss it!
Tonight I shall be star spotting too and watching out for satellites. Love it.
Happy Easter x
Well who knew, Kelly – you do realise that I will now tease you mercilessly, albeit fondly, about this!
I get a tweet from the International Space Station to let me know when it’s passing – love watching it go over – such a kid 😉
I am sure that the apps available could help me to be the organised superwoman that I am in my head and am very tempted, if only to satisfy the geek in me.
And as for taking that day off – I did cheat a bit and kept an eye on some things, but for a first try I’d give myself a B