Time management > Unplugging >

For one day, don't use anything at home that requires electricity, except the fridge, stove, alarm clock and emergency phone calls.

Try it just once and appreciate how much TIME you have. Clean, read, or lounge around. Eat by candlelight.

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The idea ∞

The idea is to remove ones self from technology. By specifically targeting electricity, one is forced to both realize how dependant we are and to notice how peaceful this "mini-vacation" is.

I can describe the experience like being at the cottage. The sense of time is different. It's quite calming.

I think that this could be extended to remove ones self one step from "high technology". A more extreme version of this would recognize a removal of least one step from technology.

• Instead of electricity,

  • use candles
  • use a lamp. Consider an olive oil lamp.
• Instead of a microwave, use a pot on the stove.
• Instead of a hot shower, douse or stop using hot water.

• Unplug the computer, the phone, the TV and the radio. Separate yourself from technology-based entertainment. Pick up a book. Use pen-and-paper.

There are some things people can't live without. For me, I think one alternative to unplugging some things would be to go back in time. For example, instead of using my computer I would use a palmtop or a 10 year old computer. No internet access. Perhaps bulletin board access.

Nostalgia (Oldschool) is served well by this idea.

Things to consider ∞

First, plan ahead of time. Succeed at whatever you need to, to make sure that whatever part of the day you can have to yourself on your unplug day can be without worry. Don't bring work home with you. Don't make plans at all, if you can help it.

• Food

  • Go grocery shopping, twice. You have time. Plan ahead of time, and experiment with new recipes today.
  • If you're the type, think organic. Maybe go vegetarian or vegan for the day.

• Tidy

  • This is different from cleaning, and can be considered something like "de-cluttering". It is putting things where they belong. While you're at it, collect things to give away.
  • https://freecycle.org/

• Clean

  • I find I have so much time on my hands that I am well-served by puttering around my house cleaning up after the things which I'm normally too busy to consider. Tidying before doing this is a great way of exposing surfaces to make cleaning easier. Picking things off of the floor makes it easier to vacuum.

• Don't drive.

  • Walk or take public transit, or just stay home!

• Exercise

  • Maybe just go for a walk. Walk slowly wherever you go. Move slowly even when indoors.

• Mindfulness

  • Notice your breathing more. Meditate or otherwise focus on awareness. Focus on relaxation.

• Sharpening the saw

  • Some tasks which, if done today, will improve tomorrow. Theorize about your personal time management. Consider your goals in life. Are you pursuing your dreams?

• Be nostalgic

  • Consider the things you are nostalgic about. Pick up one of those old things you were fond of way back when. Draw or paint. Play a record. Play the piano. Break out your old computer.

• Get naked

  • If you live alone, have a shower when you get home and stay nude. Don't cook naked though.. oil spatter is painful. =)
  • Don't live alone, or too nervous? Take your socks off.
  • This will also prompt you to keep your floors cleaner.

Don't be intimidated by not accomplishing something. This isn't about accomplishments, it's about how you spend those in-between moments of your life. It's about centering or yourself or just relaxing.

If you're a writer-type, then write a diary of the feelings you have, or the things you do. Then while preparing for the next unplug-day, you can re-read those notes as motivation. You can plan better and can make the most. This is especially good for planning a walkabout for groceries for a recipe you always wanted to take the time to try.

Last updated 2023-08-13 at 11:09:21