My Disconnected House

Living in the 21st century we have so much technology and information at our fingertips. Video games/computer games have become as cinematic as movies, virtual reality is better than it's ever been, and almost every appliance can now be hooked to the wi-fi to contribute to a "smart home".

It truly is a remarkable time to be alive, but I don't want my washing machine sending me test messages when the cycle is done or my fridge adding foods to my shopping list. I want to disconnect more while society seems to be trying to make everything "smarter" or connected. Let's not even get started on AI! I know what happens when a house becomes too smart for the owners' good. I've talked before on how I feel drawn to slow living.

Being connected 24/7 makes it easy for us to feel overwhelmed and stretched thin. It's also hard not to compare our lives with those we see on social media, even knowing they're only showing the positive. Not to mention our dopamine receptors being overrun, which leads to a huge crash, sending us further down the rabbit hole to find the next dopamine hit.

With this in mind, what are some things we can do to offset our ever-connected world?

1. Stop spending every free minute scrolling on the phone. When standing in line anywhere, more people than not are on their phones while they wait their turn. I'm guilty. However, when we do this, we are missing out on the present moment. No wonder time seems to be flying by at an ever increasing speed.

2. Get out in nature for at least 20-30 minutes a day. Enjoy the sunshine on your face, listen to the birds singing, watch the clouds pass by, and appreciate the nature all around you. Plant a garden! I tend to have a black thumb so I opt to sit outside and read, or just admire God's handiwork.

3. Find a hobby that is low to no tech. My hobby of choice is quilting. Yes, I use technology with my sewing machine and utensils, but I don't need to be online to enjoy being creative. I know many people who enjoy crocheting or knitting. There are endless options, play around with a few until you find something that makes you happy.

4. Start keeping a journal. I don't necessarily mean a journal where you tell all of your deep dark secrets, although that's an option if you wish, but rather a journal where you reflect on your day and the memories made. Write out what you're grateful for and think about them right before bed so your brain is more at peace.

5. Appreciate the small things throughout the day. While walking to a store, if you see a dragonfly flitting here and there, watch it for a bit. Even just taking 30 seconds to a minute to stop and admire the creature will help you recognize things around you that you normally would have just ignored. If you're actively looking, there's no telling what all you may see.

We are all here for such a short time. I want to spend my time well. As time goes on, I want to collect memories with my loved ones, travel to new destinations, and just appreciate the life I've been given.

What are some of the ways you take time for yourself in this hustle society?