I was trying to decide which topic to write about for my LIFE post this month and I figured it would be befitting to discuss taking a technology detox. From mid September to mid October, 3 of the major Jewish Holidays fall out. This year they fell out on a Wednesday night so they went straight into Shabbat. Hence we have 3 separate 3-day technology detoxes within the span of one month!

My Background:

I am Jewish Orthodox so I am used to having a weekly 25 hour period where I am removed from the outside world. I have been celebrating the Shabbat since I can remember. It has always been a part of my daily life. When I’m having a stressful week or I’m sick or just super busy I always look forward to Friday night when I can truly relax.

Of course, there have been times when I have been times when it is inconvenient to have the Shabbat. I’ve missed out of certain school events or other things that generally fall out on a Friday night or Saturday. That being said I have to stress that the pros definitely out way the cons. How many of you can say that you have taken a full 24 hours without checking your phone, email or watching tv? I can not imagine that many of you have, and I get it.

Now I’m not trying to preach that every week you should take a break from your phone, but I am trying to shed light on the benefits of once in awhile taking a break of the technology that runs our world. Imagine a day where you spend time with your family without being interrupted by a bing or a ring? I know that many parents have rules about cell phones at the dinner table but let’s be real, how often does that work?

The Benefits:

There is something special about waking up in the morning and not feeling the urgency of checking your emails or messages from the night before, or for me checking my Instagram to see how many followers I gained while I was sleeping. The sense of calmness and relaxation takes over. There is no rush to get up or to be anywhere because all your needs are with you. Close your eyes, enjoy the peace, read a book, talk to your family or spouse!

I look forward to our Shabbat Friday night dinner when I know I will be able to catch up with Ben about our week without any outside distractions. Saturday is the day I get to spend time with friends and eat/talk together without someone scrolling through their feed mid-sentence. It is a day to appreciate the people in your life and focus on them without distraction.

The Detox:

My challenge for you is to discuss with your family or friends a day or even half a day that you will commit to staying off-line. To shutting off your phones and turning off your laptops and TVs. To really commit to a TECHNOLOGY DETOX! See how you feel. I can promise you that you will not be disappointed with the results!

I hope you enjoyed my rant about technology and I would love to hear your thoughts! Please make sure to subscribe bellow so that you never miss a post!

Cheers!

Batsheva