So far it’s been two weeks since I decided to make a determined, intentional effort to avoid all technology on Wednesdays and Sundays, and OH MY GOODNESS – I am amazed at the difference it is making in my life! (Read more about why I am celebrating WiFi-Less Wednesdays here.)
I had NO idea how much time I was wasting on the interwebs. As a result of limiting my time I have seen incredible benefits:
More Family Time
Thanks to avoiding technology for the last two Wednesdays I have been more focused on my family and their needs. Rather than just co-existing with the people who live in my house I am actually engaging with them.
In addition, my daughters and I have spent several hours at a local botanical garden, visited friends, enjoyed a leisurely shopping trip and completed six science experiments – none of which would have been accomplished if I had my face in my devices as I normally do.
More Creativity
One of my favorite ways to spend my free time is to write, paint and draw in my art journal. Thanks to avoiding my electronics I have completed ten pages in my art journal in the last two weeks. (Read more about How to Art Journal here.)
More Productivity
Part of the illusion of the virtual world is that we are actually accomplishing something by spending so much time there. Now that I am purposefully limiting my time I am much more productive in the real world where it actually matters. This past week I spent two hours going through two huge bins of homeschool materials that have been weighing on my mind and I decluttered my garage.
More Happiness
I literally feel like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders and I feel true joy and inner peace surging back. I didn’t realize how discontent I had become as a result of watching other people’s lives instead of living my own.
In addition to avoiding technology all together two days a week I am also implementing a Social Media Plan:
Pinterest – I will look at Pinterest for specific, limited times and for specific ideas. No random browsing for hours as I have in the past.
Facebook – I have recently started paying attention to how I feel when I read posts on Facebook. I am in the process of unfollowing (not “unfriending”) people who consistently post negative comments or whose posts create negative feelings in me.
Twitter, Instagram and Other Social Media – I will primarily use these just for business purposes and I will be limiting my time using them.
UPDATE 2022: I no longer spend any time on Facebook and limit my time on Instagram, especially at night before bed and I’m sleeping SO much better!
Wanna join in? Just leave a comment on this post telling me that you want to join our little tech-free party and what you will be doing (for example: turning off all devices for 2 hours first thing in the morning, etc.). 🙂
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I think I will just let them run out of bettery and since we have a home phone I don’t have to be concerned if my kids try to reach me but they will have to call instead of text me! Awesome.
Great idea Cathie!
Kimberlee, I’m in on this. Sunday and Wednesday’s will be no Wi-Fi till after 8 pm and then it will be just to check my business updates. Thanks 🙂
Thanks for joining KSue!
Oooh, yes! I am in the middle of reading Hands Free Mama, and this is just the connection I need to make. Will join you in Wifi-less Wednesdays. And hopefully Sundays!
Welcome Kelly!
I pulled the plug on Facebook. One day my little boy said, “look Mommy! I did it!” But I had totally missed his “big” accomplishment because I was engrossed in Facebook. How many other moments had I been missing? I don’t look at it anymore but keep it open for my long-distance peeps and church group notifications.
I know exactly what you mean Karen – I was not paying attention to my kids either. Good for you for totally pulling the plug!
It is amazing how much time is spent on these items and how it can affect your life! As you mentioned, turning these devices off a couple of times a week can improve so many elements within your life, especially with being more happy! Thanks so much for sharing your idea and experiences!
My pleasure Caryl Anne. 🙂
I love this idea. Once upon a time Sunday was “family day” meaning no tech no guests unless unavoidable (Fathers Day) I will be joining you on your wifi-less Wednesdays and hopefully be getting back to family day on Sunday.
Welcome Catrina!
I would love to join you! =) I love to read ( and I’m currently trying to finish 4 books )…so I’m going to unplug between the hours of 1 pm and 5 pm every day to give me time to read and catch up on household chores!
Awesome Melissa!
This is going to be a challenge but well worth it. I am also going to go back to only checking my work related email once each day when I return to work. Starting after today, no mindless surfing and next Sunday no technology
Woohoo – thanks for joining in Kathy!
Kimberlee, you are so on time with this post. I recently “upgraded” my phone to an Android that has so many apps available, and I have been chained to it, day and night. Even though I have several apps for meditation and Bible study, I am ALWAYS on the Facebook and Instagram apps. So yes, count me in for Wireless Wednesdays. I will do a complete 24-hour shutdown, starting when the sun goes down on Tuesday, and ending at sundown on Wednesday. The only time I will use my phone will be to make or answer phone calls. No email, no texting. I took a vacation last year to visit family in Trinidad and spent such real quality time because I was barely “plugged in”. It’s time to enjoy that feeling again. Thanks for the challenge!
That sounds awesome Yael! Thanks for joining in!
I have struggled with this on & off and in the past I have deactivated & even once deleted my facebook account, as like you say, I was wasting time watching other people live their lives. I have a new fb account now, but I only have 40 friends, so I think I’m handling it better. I still feel spending too much time on fb contributed to negative feelings for me, but I did feel more out of touch when I didn’t have an account. It was amazing to find alot of my friends only communicated thru facebook & wouldn’t take the time to call or text because they thought “everyone” knew their news already since they posted it on fb. Anyway, I’m going to commit to No wi-fi Saturdays, which is a day I should instead be doing either something fun or housework & not wasting time on my lap top.
Yes Holly! Fun Saturdays. 🙂
Ironic. After months of trying to make a decision, two nights ago I deleted my Facebook account. My husband is anti-Facebook and it’s been brought up about me having one. I have found that I spend endless amounts of time on there when I could be spending that time with my children. Yes, it’s a great way to share with friends and family, especially those that do not live near by. It’s especially neat to share the updates of our twin pregnancy. However, I have cell phone numbers and emails to share. It just seems more meaningful. I do miss it, but enjoy my bonding time with my girls far more than keeping up with social media. It was just interesting how I came across your email this morning and how it applies. I have enough discipline when it comes to emails and Pinterest, it’s just that Facebook that sucks me into that waste filled hole.
I know exactly what you mean about Facebook being a waste-filled hole Catherine – haha! We can do this!
Increasingly I am finding that Browsing through Facebook makes me question my choice to live small or gives the illusion that others are happier. Like others mentioned, I like staying connected to family that isn’t local – otherwise I would consider staying off completely. I’d love to give wifi-less Wednesday a go!
Welcome Blair!
I need the internet for my job sometimes on certain days (but that does not have to include facebook, youtube, pinterest, etc). I work full time and have come to use the internet as a place to “chill out” when I need to be spending that time “chilling out” with my husband, baby, dog, and home. I am not sure how I want to arrange my time on this issue, but it’s definitely something I need to start doing. Thank you for the post.
Good for you for making a plan that works for you Michelle! Thanks for joining us.
I LOVE this post. Great idea Kimberly. I will be adding a morning routine that includes gym time and straightening up the house minus the computer.
Awesome! Thanks for joining us Tiffany. 🙂
I am going to join you with going without wifi for 6 hours … I would like to use the time to organize …. Maybe once that is done I can start working on some overdue projects….
Welcome Rosemarie – we can do this!
I also unfollowed a few people on Facebook who posted too many negative status updates. I stayed off Facebook entirely for a couple of months last Fall and it was nice! If I didn’t have a couple of cousins who are expecting babies, I’d seriously consider staying off permanently.
I know Angela – I contemplate leaving but I do like connecting with friends who live far away. It’s a tough decision.
I would love to join you in the wi-fi less Wednesdays. I am spending entirely too much time on either the laptop or tablet and need to let go of one of them. I think I will start by not checking either device after 7am or before 7pm (that way I have 12 full hours without any wi fi.)
Awesome! Thanks for joining in Cindy!
I avoid Facebook until I’ve exercised for the day. This allows me to get a workout in, but in addition I tend to get my morning chores done earlier as well.
Great idea to tie it to something in your routine Cara!