I always do a somewhat version of this every year. I didn't grew up with internet and I miss those days. I'm not anti-internet either but this thing about being "connected" all the time ends up disconnecting us, from nature, other people, the world and from our selves. I'm curious to know your thoughts and feelings about this experiment. Until next time. Enjoy!
It may be too late but wanted to mention that you can actually set up a folder in your mail app so that substack emails automatically get forwarded from your inbox to its own folder! It’s nice to have them all in one place and have a dedicated time to read them rather than feeling like you need to read them as soon as they land in your inbox.
My only social media engagement is Substack - but especially when writing vulnerable posts about the things I care most about, it becomes extra addictive to check what is happening in the space!! I agree about the temptation to read Substack articles. My new approach that I figured out this weekend is - set any reader emails to be redirected to my main email account so I don't miss them. Cancel all notifications in the Substack settings - all I need to know still shows up under "Activity". Switch off Substack email in my online accounts so articles don't just arrive in my inbox. Use Freedom app to set Substack web access to times that I feel are sufficient for what I want, without losing myself down rabbit holes or thinking "I'll just quickly check" . . . (I don't have the Substack app). We'll see how that experiment goes!
I look forward to hearing very much about yours when you come back - no doubt with many beautiful pictures of discoveries from your time off!
A wonderful experiment, good for you! I would struggle to be without Substack and Instagram for a week, or a day even... I look forward to reading about your experience with this when you return (because I hope you will return, to tell us all about it).
Great idea Annie. I hope you stay connected just long enough to read your replies here, ha ha. This is a prevalent topic amongst some of my family and friends. My daughter, who is in her 40s was just saying how she realises she is fairly addicted to her phone, and is going to make an effort to do other things, including reading paper books.
The way the internet works is designed to get us addicted. I think you are inspiring me to have a go at doing similar - though I may need to check my specific Substack writers. I think I will reduce use by having time limits.
I always do a somewhat version of this every year. I didn't grew up with internet and I miss those days. I'm not anti-internet either but this thing about being "connected" all the time ends up disconnecting us, from nature, other people, the world and from our selves. I'm curious to know your thoughts and feelings about this experiment. Until next time. Enjoy!
It may be too late but wanted to mention that you can actually set up a folder in your mail app so that substack emails automatically get forwarded from your inbox to its own folder! It’s nice to have them all in one place and have a dedicated time to read them rather than feeling like you need to read them as soon as they land in your inbox.
Totally admire your courageous experiment!
My only social media engagement is Substack - but especially when writing vulnerable posts about the things I care most about, it becomes extra addictive to check what is happening in the space!! I agree about the temptation to read Substack articles. My new approach that I figured out this weekend is - set any reader emails to be redirected to my main email account so I don't miss them. Cancel all notifications in the Substack settings - all I need to know still shows up under "Activity". Switch off Substack email in my online accounts so articles don't just arrive in my inbox. Use Freedom app to set Substack web access to times that I feel are sufficient for what I want, without losing myself down rabbit holes or thinking "I'll just quickly check" . . . (I don't have the Substack app). We'll see how that experiment goes!
I look forward to hearing very much about yours when you come back - no doubt with many beautiful pictures of discoveries from your time off!
A wonderful experiment, good for you! I would struggle to be without Substack and Instagram for a week, or a day even... I look forward to reading about your experience with this when you return (because I hope you will return, to tell us all about it).
Wishing you well on your 30-day break! (Maybe the Phone Nap will come in handy for this.) :D
P.S. I so enjoyed your last beautiful post about the shared objects you found.
Great idea Annie. I hope you stay connected just long enough to read your replies here, ha ha. This is a prevalent topic amongst some of my family and friends. My daughter, who is in her 40s was just saying how she realises she is fairly addicted to her phone, and is going to make an effort to do other things, including reading paper books.
The way the internet works is designed to get us addicted. I think you are inspiring me to have a go at doing similar - though I may need to check my specific Substack writers. I think I will reduce use by having time limits.
Anyway, good luck to you 🍀