Electronic Fasting – A Part of Our Homeschooling Routine

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hatever we as parents do, it is better for our kids. Thanks to technology, we are all used to modern convenience as it makes our lives better and more comfortable. Well, ask yourself? Can you ever imagine a life without your smartphone, or the oven, or the refrigerator?

Me and Siri have our own Instagram accounts, and our scheduled looked too packed even during the weekends. That is when we decided we need to ditch our smartphones, tablets, laptops at least two days a week, and spend time outdoors and with each other. And, I am happy that we are getting there slowly.

The use of smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, and the internet provides us the ability to know what is happening around the world every minute. Where ever you are, you can always stay connected with your friends and family via chat messages, Facebook, video calls, and more. All these electronic gadgets have become a part of our daily lives, and we cannot imagine even a day without them.

While there are a lot of advantages that come with the use of most of these gadgets, it is important we “electronic detox” from time to time. I am not asking you to stay without electricity here – but instead, let us stay away from the internet, our smartphones, TV’s and laptops.

What experts call “electronic vipassana,” the digital detox is as important as our body detox. Just switch the TV sets off, and keep your cell phones away for just one day. Do not check your emails or Twitter or Facebook. Forget about WhatsApp status or Instagram reels for that matter.

We as humans have built up the dependency on these digital devices, like how we are dependent on body nutrition. As much as our body needs detoxification, it requires digital detoxification as well – which I love to call Digital Fasting.

I have tried digital/electronic fasting once a week and it worked like a charm. There are a lot of benefits, which you can experience right away. By putting away the gadgets for a bit, at least once every week or fortnight, I was able to bring back the much-needed balance in my life. I wanted to try it at least for a few months before writing this post.

Here are a few benefits I have experienced via digital detox.

A Peaceful Day

Imagine a day without the buzzing sound of those notifications on your phone or tablet! Well, you need not be on the edge; you can slow down, do things as planned, and finally relax.

Helps You Think and Plan

Checking those emails, texts, and messages on social media platforms like Facebook can often distract you from what you have initially planned to do. Try going out for a walk and leave your phone behind. Take a look at the surroundings. You will start to think and find the solutions to all those problems you have in your mind. You even start brainstorming and plan your next adventure or project. When you look around, you might as well make new friends or walking buddies.

Connect with People in Real

When you don’t have a screen to look into or stare at, you look at the person who is sitting next to you. You can start a conversation and even learn something new. You get time to share your feelings with your spouse or child. You might laugh at something silly, play some games with your family. In the end, you only spend a lot of time with your loved ones and strengthen your relationships.

No More Multitasking

While multitasking is good, it might confuse or pressurize you at times. When you have your phone or tablet in hand, you tend to do a few things at a time. But without it, you can focus on one task at a time. When you do one thing at a time, the results obtained are better and more satisfying.

Helps You Create a Schedule

When you respond to a customer query or a client email at 3 AM on a Saturday or Sunday morning, you are conveying a message that you are available all the time. While it can sound like a good thing, it is important to set your boundaries. Once you start answering as per your time or schedule, even the other person will connect with you as per the same and learn to respect your schedule.

You Start Carving for More

Once you try electronic fasting or digital detox once, you will certainly want to do it again. Just close the computer Friday afternoon, and try not to pick up any gadget until Monday morning. You can keep the phone on for emergencies but do not voluntarily pick it up to access the internet.

Use the time you have to recharge yourself and relax. Relax with a good book, and think about all things new. I started reading the book called “Atomic Habits” when I started the digital detox. I am glad I picked up the right one. It’s an amazing book that is a must-have in your home library.

Digital detox gives you the time you need to plan for your future, the future of your family, and grow both personally and professionally.

You Get More Productive

Once you spend your weekend away from technology, you find that your Mondays are productive and more energetic than ever. I normally plan my work and my daughter’s homeschooling schedule for the coming week during the weekends and I have that I was more productive and was able to finish all my work on time. I started waiting for Fridays so that I can spend more time with my daughter and have some good fun, sans the gadgets.

One of the best benefits of all is that you can get a good sleep without any distractions. Electronic fasting or digital detox is one ideal way to break the habit for both adults and kids. Do give it a try, and you will certainly want to try it again.