The Benefits of Internet-Free Days
26th February 2016
Internet-free days: the joy of missing out
Sharing the benefits of internet-free days may seem a little crazy coming from a blogger, but I really do champion the power of switching off. So, today I’m sharing four of the positives I’ve found from regularly silencing my technology and stepping away from the online world. I call it the joy of missing out because logging off enables me to slow down and enjoy my life free from distraction.
The benefits of internet-free days
1. More time
I sometimes grab my phone or tablet to check something, and a few hours later, I’m still there – know the feeling? The online world eats away at my time, but by switching off, I can claim it back. I also find when I take time off, I’m less likely to continually check my technology on my return. Internet-free days serve as a reminder that the real world is worth my full attention.
2. More connection
Sometimes I need to disconnect so I can reconnect with the people and the world around me. The internet is a fantastic place to meet like-minded folk, but few things beat spending time with the people who make me happy. When I’m with my family or friends I put away my phone. Nothing in the digital world is more important than the person or people in front of me.
3. More gratitude
There are many benefits to being online, however, too much scrolling certainly has an impact on how I feel. When I edit out the noise and distraction, I’m able to fully relax and recharge. I also find that when I stop looking at the lives of others, I have more gratitude for my own life just the way it is.
4. More creativity
When I switch off, I notice an increase in creative ideas. The time and space seem to allow them to come to the surface. I love the phrase, ‘creation over consumption’ because I find my creativity flows more freely when I switch off and fully connect with the beautiful world around me.
Further reading
The benefits of taking a week offline
How to set digital boundaries when you’re running a creative business
How to process your inbox and unlock more time
Simple digital habits that support my life and work
Thank you, as always, for stopping by. I hope you have a wonderful day. Until next time, I’ll see you over on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, unless of course, you’re enjoying some time offline!
It’s probably quite rare that I have an internet free day but there are occasions when I’ve been less likely to check emails or refresh instagram and there is something rather freeing about it.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Victoria x
Thanks Victoria, have a great weekend!
Totally agree about this, you can get SO MUCH done… Although I find its easier if your other half also wants to switch off!
Thanks Susie, that’s very true!
I totally agree with this post. Every weekend i take my dog on a 4 mile walk and i don’t look at my phone for the two blissful hours. Having that time gives me the ability to take in live and enjoy the moment. As beneficial as the internet is, its important to have moments without it.
That sounds lovely and I think we enjoy the internet more when we have time away. Have a great weekend.
I accidentally had three days internet (and phone!) free when we went to festival last year and it was wonderful! Even if I felt tempted to check in I couldn’t and because I didn’t know it would happen it was kind of like ‘oh well! What can I do’ It reminded me I need to switch off and log out from time to time! x
That sounds bliss, it was like that for much of my holiday in Cornwall last year. Freedom!
I do think it’s really important to have internet-free days and I often feel much “lighter” and able to focus on things at hand and far more mindful – I need to make time to do it more often
Laura x
Thanks Laura, that’s so true – lighter is a good feeling!
It doesn’t seem crazy to me at all to advocate Internet free days as a blogger – I always switch off from work and social media in the evenings and often for whole weekends too. It’s ace!
That sounds wonderful.. I should take a leaf out of your book, I only manage it every now and then!
A great reminder. I am trying to set boundaries in different ways too – we have a definite no devices at the table rule for all meal times and I would like to get to the point where I leave my phone out of reach for certain periods of the day. I think self-awareness is key – do you feel owned by it? Do you feel like you’re not listening to the people in front of you properly because of it? Then it’s time to cool off. x
Thanks Mel. They sound like great boundaries. I often put my iPhone and iPad in the office and close the door. It’s the naughty step for technology!
I totally agree with this post ! The real freedom starts when we are able to SWITCHING OFF for some days ! And we need this freedom sometimes. I’m glad you don’t disconnecting your camera because your pictures are stunning ! x
Thanks so much Eva, I hope you have a wonderful week.
I find it so hard to switch off! But I can see my kids being all obsessed with devices and it really bothers me, so I’m being totally hypocritical. Gonna give it a go though x
I never realise how addicted I am until I switch off!
I’m determined to try and switch off more. I spend far too much time online and am often not present when I’m in a room – I’d love to change this! I’ve made steps to switch off in the evenings when I’m at home and enjoy a book or a film but I’d love to be at the point where I’m doing it for whole days.
Thanks Alice. It sounds like you’re doing really well, nothing like a book or a film to help switch off and unwind. :)
Yes – I LOVE internet free days. I think esp when you work online, having days completely switched off are an essential to recharge your batteries
Thanks Polly. They certainly are essential!
I definitely need to work more Internet days into my schedule. It’s so hard when you’re self employed – I have massive fear of missing out. Must try harder to put the laptop down and turn the phone off too!
I know the feeling. It’s hard to switch off when you work freelance but it’s really worth the effort. Have a great day!