#unplugging

[lookingfts]

Just wanted to do a little update on my recent post about how I'm cutting down my phone time. From 44 hours a month ago to 17 last week - that's a difference of 27 hours in one week. More than one full day.

I've mostly been using that time to read, chat more with friends, and just focus on doing one thing at a time. I was actually able to watch a full movie with subtitles (Godzilla Minus One), something I've always struggled to do because it requires full attention on the screen. Sounds a bit sad, but I'm sure a lot of people struggle with this.

Since that post, I've also taken the step of deleting pretty much every app on my phone except for a) the ones I need when I'm out (like parking apps or maps), and b) the ones that are just much easier to access on the phone than on my computer (like banking apps). Everything else, I'm trying to move to my laptop or tablet because it gives me a more narrow window in which to check things that aren't essential or time-sensitive. Yes...even Tumblr (I'm writing this on my laptop as we speak).

Anyway, I'll continue to share updates about this from time to time and I hope it's helpful and motivating to anyone who's also trying to reclaim their time and attention.

[abnormoinfo]

[joselorochaart]

Greetings from Digital Detox

[raurquiz]

#happybirthday @LeaKThompson #leathompson #actress #director #DianeWerner #startrekpicard #LorraineBaines #backtothefuture #ResidentAlien #Unplugging #TheChickenSisters #MarkMaryandSomeOtherPeople #NextStopChristmas #DinnerinAmerica #LittleWomen #TheSpencerSisters #theyearofspectacularmen

[fieldsofsnapdragons]

i am so excited to go on my social media cleanse — once the semester is over, i'm deleting everything off of my phone except for tumblr and maybe facebook because i really never use it. i've been letting myself just get sucked into social media for way too long and now that i'm going through a lot of big life changes, i need to regain whatever attention i can give myself, ESPECIALLY since i can't afford my ADHD medication. im giving myself challenges through the next few months to unplug and do more fulfilling and rewarding things like making more art, reading more and going on walks with my camera. i'm even going to be trying to listen to more music (and i might update here how it goes through april! every week is a new theme for listening).

anyway this is just me being super excited to not be a super phone addicted drone. yay let's go personal progress!

[random-xpressions]

It isn't insanity if it happens for a reason. It is only called insanity when it happens beyond the pales of any reason or explanation!

Random Xpressions

[poeaxtry]

I know it’s time to unplug when my thoughts stop echoing in my own voice, but the news keeps calling, and so do all the lives like mine caught in its crosshairs.

[ungiorno-nellavita]

How Unplugging Helped Me Reconnect With My Creative Side

How do you know when it’s time to unplug? What do you do to make it happen? I turned off my notifications years ago—not because I stopped caring, but because I cared too much. I didn’t want my peace or focus hijacked by every buzz or ping. I just wanted to stay present… to protect my creativity. And yet—even without those interruptions—I still catch myself checking in. Socials. Emails. Updates.…

[lookingfts]

Enjoy media again

This is a bit of a long one, but if you want to change your relationship to technology in a manageable but effective way, you might find this interesting.

Over the past year or so, I’ve realized how exhausting technology has become. I’m a Millennial, so I grew up with CDs and VHS/DVDs. I was attached to the hip with my iPod and I have fond memories of browsing video stores to pick something for family movie night.

Then came smartphones, and streaming. And I was happy with both for years, until I realized:

I hate my phone. And I hate streaming. And I hate, more generally, what modern technology has evolved into.

Everything is designed to die quickly, to hoard your attention, to screw creators and suck your energy and joy dry.

I’m not alone in this, of course. At the end of this post, I’ll link to some great videos that helped motivate me in making changes.

This is by no means a comprehensive guide, but I wanted to share a bit of the journey I’ve been on and the changes I’ve made to fix my screwed-up relationship with technology.

First up: my phone is a black hole.

If you asked me, I would say I’m not addicted to my phone. I rarely use any social media except for Tumblr. I don’t need to use my phone much for work. And yet, somehow, my screen time was consistently seven hours or more.

How? Where was that time even going?

So I started taking suggestions from other people and applying them to my smartphone. Here are the big ones, and how well they worked for me.

1. Deleting games

This is pretty self-explanatory. If there’s a game on my phone, I’ll blink and suddenly be on level 400. It’s what I do while I watch TV. And I never feel like I have anything to show for it. Games are not inherently the problem; but without any kind of tangibility, it just all washes over me with no impact.

So I don’t keep games on my phone. If I’m really itching to play something, the Google browser has some free games without ads, like Solitaire. But even that I have to tread carefully with – it’s too easy to keep shuffling. I have a hunch that if I broke out a card deck and played Solitaire the old-fashioned way, I’d get a lot more out of the experience.

2. Hiding apps from the home screen

Some apps just stare at you. If you hold down until the app wiggles, and press Remove App, you have the option to remove it from the home screen but keep it in your app menu. I find this extremely helpful for apps that often distract me. For me, that’s email and Tumblr. Those are my “slot machine” apps – the ones that I refresh to get the hit of dopamine from something new. The point is for me to have to work slightly harder to get to them. To create friction between me and my time wasters.

The first day after you move something, you will compulsively click on that slot 100 times. And then you'll realize how much you were reaching for it.

3. Setting time limits for apps

The first night that I set a 45-minute time limit for email, Tumblr, and Instagram (which I rarely used to use, but had recently found myself checking mindlessly, even though I can barely see the actual posts from my friends anymore) – I was already over the limit for the day. That felt like a wake-up call. Why was I on my email for 45 minutes? There’s nothing critically important in my email. Ever.

I find myself with a different mindset when I open these apps now. The ticking clock in my head makes me view each moment I spend on there as precious. The goal is to see everything I want to see before I’m blocked. This artificial scarcity makes it more interesting and less compulsive.

4. Changing my phone to black and white

This. THIS. This is the single thing that brought my screen time from 7 hours a day to about 1 hour a day.

Putting my phone into black and white did something to my brain. Almost immediately, I could feel that my eyes were less strained and my mind was quieter. I did not expect that.

It’s an accessibility setting, and it’s not easy to get to, for obvious reasons (Apple doesn't want you to). For iPhone, you can go to Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Color Filters. I used the Grayscale and there’s an option to control the intensity of the filter. I have mine at about 85%, since the full 100% grayscale is a little hard for me to see.

I’m not kidding. This is game-changing. It takes away 90% of the temptation of your phone. I can still do everything I need to do – and for the things I want to do, like looking at pictures in color or watching videos, I use my iPad or my laptop or my TV. Those devices have never had the same issue of overuse for me; I think phones tend to be the easiest to abuse. But whatever device causes you problems, you can probably use some variation of these tips to help.

Second: streaming sucks now.

Not just the cost, or the ads, or the fact that you need 7 different services to watch everything you want.

For me, it was the decision paralysis. Every time I booted up Netflix, I felt overwhelmed by choice. How do you wade through all the low-quality filler to find something interesting? Nope, nothing here. Move to Amazon Prime. Move to YouTube movies. Move to Disney+.

I not only found it exhausting…I felt as though the endless choice was making media meaningless. Movies, TV shows, and music were all blurring together in my brain. Once in a blue moon did I actually get excited about something I saw on a streaming platform.

There are other issues: streaming movies and shows can be altered. They can be deleted without warning; even for things you bought. Algorithms control what you see, and you lose the feeling of choosing for yourself.

Now, I kept Netflix, mostly for its original shows. I’m on the lowest ad-supported plan, which is about $9 a month. I may cancel it and only keep it for a few months out of the year, to catch up on everything at once. It’s not hard, with seasons being like 8 episodes.

But I canceled everything else. I canceled Sirius, I canceled YouTube Premium, I let it all go.

Here’s what I did instead:

1. I got a library card.

I’m privileged to have a lovely library very close to me, and I was embarrassed that after 13 years of living in this town, I didn’t have a card. I recently started getting back into reading physical books as well. So I got my library card and checked out some books.

I had no idea how much libraries offer now. With my library card came completely free access to Freegal Music, Hoopla, and Libby. Those will probably vary depending on your library.

Freegal Music is basically like any streaming music services, only you’re limited to five downloads a week. But you can stream almost anything, and I find that the curated playlists take me out of the "sameness" that I felt with my YouTube Music playlists.

Libby and Hoopla have e-books, movies, TV shows, audiobooks, music, and binge passes that you can check out to binge content on other streaming services.

I’ve barely scratched the service of what’s available. Of course, the selection is slightly more limited, and you have to “borrow” things electronically before you can use them. But that only works in favor of my quest to feel more connected to the media I experience. There’s a time limit on it, and that creates some kind of urgency.

If you’re lucky enough to have access to a library, please use it. I wish I hadn’t waited so long. Even if you go literally one time, just to get a card, you can enjoy so many of their digital offerings. (Though my library does also offer fun in-person events, like reading clubs and craft classes. And you can check out 50 things at a time. 50!!!! For a month!!!!)

2. I bought DVDs.

Recently, I went down a rabbit hole about physical media. Like everyone else, I tossed all my DVDs and CDs years ago. Waste of space. It’s old tech.

But it’s true: you can’t own digital media. It’s not yours – you’re only renting it, even when you buy it.

I’m a pretty avid thrifter, and I had always seen the tons of DVDs and CDs and vinyls at thrift stores, but I never bothered to look.

So that was my first stop. I went to my favorite thrift store and found a Blu-ray player for about $9 and a DVD player for $7 (in case one of them didn’t work). Let me tell you – I had a BLAST picking out DVDs. It was so much more fun than clicking through a streaming menu. Right now I have a little over 30 DVDs (at a couple of bucks each – each one was literally cheaper than me renting a digital copy), including tons of my all-time favorite movies. I was shocked that I found so many of my A-list faves on my very first trip – Sunshine, Pride & Prejudice, the whole LOTR trilogy.

Feel free to judge my taste...I don't mind.

(You can also rent DVDs at the library.)

I made sure to buy players that came with the cords so I didn’t have to buy any (I’m only moderately tech literate) and it works great.

Beyond the fact that DVDs and Blu-rays aren’t compressed like streaming and so might actually look and sound better – I was just excited about media, for the first time in a long time. These are my favorites. I own them. I get to look through this collection and decide what I’m in the mood for. I get to keep hunting and find even more of my favorites.

I also got a handful of CDs. I love the way they look. I love interacting with media again. Fortunately, I have the space to display them, but you can also remove them from the cases and put them into a CD sleeve.

A huge used physical media store opened down the street. I’m so excited to see what they have. It might become my new favorite place.

I can still stream on Netflix. I can still buy a movie on Vudu or whatever if it’s something I’m really in the mood to watch. That option isn’t going anywhere. And if you like streaming certain things, go for it. I am not against streaming as a concept. I just felt like streaming had become this draining, chaotic maze that I was lost in, instead of something that made my life better and more convenient.

Maybe we need a little inconvenience. Maybe having everything in the palm of our hand only devalues those experiences and lessens the impact.

Maybe some of these things that I did aren’t available to you – but hopefully some are. I hope this is helpful to anyone who feels like I do. This is just part of my journey, and I want to continue finding a way to live more actively and intentionally in this world that is trying so hard to make us isolated, tired, and passive.

A big shoutout to all these creators who inspired me. Here are a few videos that really helped me:

Only Consuming Media from the Library

The Importance of Inconvenience

Using This iPod for 30 Days Changed My Life (a series)

Replace all of your subscriptions with a library card

[thegftable-uk]

Unplugging When the Internet Starts Arguing with Me About Gluten

Daily writing promptHow do you know when it’s time to unplug? What do you do to make it happen?View all responses Because sometimes the only cure for online nonsense is dinosaurs and a cup of coffee. How do I know it’s time to unplug? Usually it’s when I’m knee-deep in a Reddit thread where someone claims coeliac disease didn’t exist before the 90s, and is clearly caused by “chemicals in the…

[productiveandfree]

The Perfect Weekend Escape: How Park Model Cabins Can Help You Unplug and Reset

The world moves fast. Notifications, emails, and endless to-do lists make it easy to forget what true stillness feels like. Even when we step away from work, our minds stay busy, scrolling through updates and planning the next task. It’s no surprise that so many people feel drained, even after a weekend off.

But what if rest could be more than just a break from routine? What if it could be a way to truly reset—to slow down, breathe, and return feeling lighter, clearer, and more present? A simple change in environment can make all the difference, and that’s where park model cabins come in. Tucked away in nature, they offer the rare kind of quiet that helps you unwind without sacrificing comfort.

Spending a weekend in a cozy cabin is more than just a getaway. It’s a chance to step outside the noise, reconnect with yourself, and experience rest in a way that actually restores you.

Why Unplugging Matters for Your Well-Being

Modern life is designed for constant stimulation. From the moment we wake up, we’re surrounded by screens—checking emails, scrolling through updates, and responding to messages. While technology keeps us connected, it also keeps our minds in a perpetual state of alertness, making true rest difficult to achieve.

Research shows that taking intentional breaks from digital devices can reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being. Studies highlight how spending time in nature lowers anxiety, boosts mood, and improves cognitive function by giving the brain a break from digital overload. Unplugging allows the mind to shift into a more relaxed state, making space for creativity, deeper thoughts, and genuine presence in the moment.

It’s not just about turning off screens—it’s about reclaiming attention. Without constant pings and notifications, the mind can fully engage with the world around it. Whether it’s feeling the warmth of the sun, listening to the wind through the trees, or simply sitting in stillness, unplugging offers a kind of mental reset that’s difficult to find in everyday life.

The Ideal Escape: Why Park Model Cabins Are Perfect for a Weekend Reset

A change in environment has the power to shift your mindset. Stepping into nature, away from the distractions of daily life, creates space to slow down and truly unwind. But while the idea of a remote getaway is appealing, not everyone wants to sacrifice comfort for solitude.

That’s where park model cabins come in. These cabins, designed to blend seamlessly with nature, offer a cozy retreat while still providing modern conveniences. Unlike traditional log cabins, they’re built with efficient layouts that make the most of their space. They feature full kitchens, comfortable living areas, and private bedrooms—everything needed for a restful escape.

The beauty of a cabin retreat isn’t just in the surroundings but in the experience it creates. Mornings begin with fresh air and quiet stillness rather than notifications. Days are spent immersed in nature, free from the constant pull of screens. Evenings invite a slower rhythm—reading by the fire, journaling, or simply sitting under the stars. The simplicity of cabin living makes it easier to disconnect, breathe deeply, and be present.

With the right setting, rest no longer feels like something to schedule—it becomes second nature.

How to Plan the Perfect Weekend Reset in a Cabin

The best escapes don’t require elaborate planning—just the right mindset and a few essentials. A weekend in a cabin is most restorative when approached with intention, allowing space to slow down and fully enjoy the experience.

Pack Light but Thoughtfully

Leave behind anything that keeps you tethered to daily stress. Bring only the essentials: comfortable clothes, a journal, a book you’ve been meaning to read, and anything that helps you unwind. If possible, limit digital devices to prevent the temptation of scrolling through updates.

Embrace Slow Mornings

Rushing defeats the purpose of a retreat. Start your days without an alarm, letting natural light wake you instead. Enjoy coffee or tea outside, listen to the sounds of nature, and allow yourself to ease into the day without an agenda.

Spend Time Outdoors

A weekend reset isn’t just about resting—it’s about reconnecting with nature. Whether you go hiking, walk by a lake, or simply sit on the porch, fresh air and movement naturally clear the mind and improve well-being.

Unplug and Be Present

Use this time to be fully in the moment. Instead of checking your phone, focus on simple joys: writing, sketching, meditating, or having uninterrupted conversations. The absence of constant notifications makes it easier to tune in to yourself and your surroundings.

A cabin retreat isn’t about filling the time with activities—it’s about allowing space for rest, clarity, and a renewed sense of presence.

Realigning with Your Goals: Bringing the Reset Mindset Home

The feeling of clarity and calm after a weekend away doesn’t have to fade as soon as you return to daily life. A retreat isn’t just about the time spent away—it’s about what you bring back with you. The key is to carry a sense of presence and simplicity into your everyday routine.

One way to do this is by making space for small, intentional moments of stillness. Mornings without screens, short walks outside, or even an evening ritual of journaling can help maintain the same sense of balance found in a cabin retreat. The goal isn’t to recreate the getaway exactly but to integrate the parts that made it feel so restorative.

Mindfulness practices can also help extend the benefits of unplugging. Setting better boundaries with technology, focusing on meaningful interactions, and making time for reflection are practical ways to add meaning to life. These habits make it easier to stay present and intentional, even in the middle of a busy schedule.

A cabin retreat may only last a weekend, but the peace it brings can stay with you much longer.

Share in the comments below: Questions go here

[joselorochaart]

"Greetings from No Signal"

[innergiverfox]

Slow down you crazy child

One of my favourite movies when I was younger was 13 going on 30. My favourite bit was when this Billy Joel song is playing, and she realises that by wishing to be older, by speeding things up, she has missed out on so much, lost so much. And luckily, she has the chance to go back and do it over. But we are speeding through life at the moment, with no opportunity for do-overs. We now consume…

[bimbobertbeanie-blog]

I really want to engage with social media more as a tool for self expression rather than a place for self acceptance this year and this video series is very informative for those who also wanna do something similar!!!

[epicstoriestime]

Unplugging: Recognizing the Signs and Making it Happen

How do you know when it’s time to unplug? What do you do to make it happen? Introduction In our digitally-driven world, ‘unplugging’ or taking time away from electronic devices is essential for maintaining mental health and well-being. But how do we know when it’s time to unplug? And how do we successfully make it happen?   Knowing When It’s Time to Unplug The signs that it’s time to unplug…