Chapter 1: A New Beginning

When we relocated to our new, off-grid home, we found ourselves without internet or cellphone service. Although we intended to rectify this, it turned out to be more complex than we had expected. Initially, the lack of cellphone reception was a significant reason we hesitated to move. While we believed we could manage without the internet, not being reachable felt like too much of a risk. What if I had an accident? What if there was an emergency with family?

We decided to spend one “trial night” there, and to our surprise, we instantly fell in love with the tranquility! What began as a single night turned into multiple stays, and soon we were living there full-time.

The absence of internet and phone service led to an unexpected sense of peace! Who could have guessed that disconnecting would be so liberating? We weren’t completely isolated; we could take a short walk “up the hill” to access minimal cellphone reception, allowing us to receive texts and WhatsApp messages to keep in touch with family and friends.

At first, we were apprehensive about how to fill our newfound free time. It became clear that we spent an excessive amount of time on our devices. A simple Google search would often spiral into a lengthy YouTube binge where I found myself engrossed in a 40-minute video about mushroom cultivation (true story!).

By liberating ourselves from the clutches of our phones, we were astonished at how much time was available in a single day. We engaged in reading, walking, gardening, chatting with one another (a truly revolutionary concept!), and connecting with friends. The possibilities felt endless. While there were fleeting moments of boredom and times I longed for information or updates from favorite podcasters, these instances were rare. Above all, we felt a sense of calm and relaxation.

It was as if a weight had been lifted, granting me the freedom to spend my time as I wished rather than being guided by internet distractions. I rediscovered meditation, something I had neglected for years, mistakenly believing I was too “busy.” In reality, I was simply choosing to watch another video or scroll through social media. My priority had shifted from mindfulness and well-being to staying updated on the latest online trends without my realizing it.

This newfound bliss was refreshing, and we wished it could last indefinitely. However, real life intruded, requiring me to look something up online or pay a bill. We thought, “We’ve formed new habits; surely we can limit our internet usage with ease.” As it turned out, this assumption was misguided. Within days, old habits crept back in.

It was time to disconnect from the internet once more!

Photo by Marvin Meyer on Unsplash

Chapter 2: Practical Steps to Disconnect

I’m not claiming to have all the answers, as I’m still navigating this journey myself. However, if you’re interested in exploring a similar path, here are a few strategies that have worked for me.

1. Start Small: One effective approach we’ve adopted is turning off our router for specific hours each day or evening. This can be automated to maintain consistency. If you want to avoid cutting off the entire family from internet access, consider switching on airplane mode or using apps designed to manage screen time. I’ve previously used the Forest app, which encourages you to stay off your phone by allowing a virtual tree to grow while you’re focused.
2. Set Goals for Offline Time: Rather than leaving your offline time aimless, establish specific tasks or goals. For instance, decide to read a book or engage in gardening during your offline hours.
3. Define Your Offline Duration: By setting a specific time limit for being offline, you create a measurable goal. Achieving this timeframe can instill a sense of accomplishment.
4. Create Tech-Free Zones: Designating certain areas in your home where phones are not permitted can significantly reduce internet usage. For example, having a “no phones in the bedroom” rule can enhance your bedtime routine, and implementing a “no phones at the dinner table” policy ensures shared time without digital distractions.

If you’re contemplating reducing your internet time, I highly recommend it. I assure you will notice improvements in productivity, sleep quality, and overall well-being, and you won’t miss the endless descent into internet rabbit holes.

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