The benefits of a technology holiday….

Posted by Laura on July 30, 2008 · 25 Comments

A couple of weeks ago we went away to stay in a cabin that didn’t have cell service, internet access, television, or anything else related to some kind of electronic device (unless of course you count the radio we had to crank every so often to get it to go).

To say I was scared to do it was an understatement. I’ve come to rely on this computer of mine and the world wide web for many many things. Not to mention my small addiction to Regis & Kelly and my other favorite programs on TV. How would I survive I wondered? What would I do? Wouldn’t I be bored I’d ask myself.

The truth of it is, I wasn’t bored and not only did I survive but I thrived and here are just some of the reasons why.

I realized the twitching doesn’t last as long as I thought it would.
My first waking thought in the morning didn’t revolve around running to the computer to check my email.
I had time to daydream.
I had time to talk to those around me for no specific reason other than to just talk.
I had time to take walks and really enjoy the beautiful nature without running a to-do list in my head.
It was a great ego adjustment when I realized the world didn’t fall apart in my absence and Regis & Kelly didn’t even miss me (imagine!).
I got caught up on much needed sleep.
I read more books/magazines in a week than I’ve done in the past 6 months.
I had time to just lounge around playing board games with the kids without the phone interrupting us.
Allowed me the opportunity to recognize and realign my priorities.
I was really able to focus in on what my kids were saying to me without distraction.
My time didn’t “get away” from me quite so easily.
Reminded me of what life was like before I started blogging.
My kids really do want me present no matter how much they resist at first.
I had time to just be still….something I definitely don’t do enough of.

So while I think it would be silly to ever give up on technology all together, it certainly was a nice break to separate myself from it for awhile and clear my head. I highly recommend it!

As you are reading this (and if auto post works for me) I am taking another technology holiday this week as the kid’s and I attend church kid’s camp. Something tells me this trip won’t be quite so relaxing though :)