Unplugged: A handbook for life without the internet.
Greetings on your third day of navigating the digital desert in Shepparton! How’s everyone holding up out there?
While perhaps a modern inconvenience in this digitally dominated era, Shepparton’s unexpected data outage can also be seen as a gentle nudge, urging us to step back in time and (re)kindle our connection with simpler days.
As I toggle my phone on and off flight mode, secretly hoping for a miracle, I can’t help but note with amusement my own online addiction. Just a few days without data and it’s already been quite the adventure, hasn’t it...
We don’t often realise our dependency on phones until we face situations like this one. Everything seems tied to the precious internet, from checking the weather to catching up with friends. Worse things are happening globally, but this temporary inconvenience still represents a challenge.
As we embrace this disconnected era (some more reluctantly than others), a question arises: how did we live before?
Since we can’t do much else, let’s take this time to reflect and explore other avenues.
So, here I’ve compiled a survival guide for life without data. Buckle up for a timeless adventure!
1. Read a book: Cast your mind back to the pre-internet days, when a book was the ultimate portal to uncharted worlds and a sanctuary for our fertile imagination. Reconnect with the timeless magic of reading and rediscover the enchantment only a book can offer. Did you know reading a book increases intelligence, boosts brain power, makes you more empathetic and can help fight Alzheimer’s disease?
2. Go for a walk: Stating the obvious here, but exploring your neighbourhood is an excellent activity on many levels. Being outdoors is linked to mental and physical health benefits such as reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, increasing energy levels and improving sleep. So put your sneakers on! You’ll feel a lot more grounded when you come home.
3. Call your friends or family: Connecting with friends or family can increase our sense of belonging, purpose, self-confidence and self-worth. It also boosts our happiness and is proven to reduce stress. Whether you want to catch up or vent about the data outage, connecting with loved ones is always a good idea.
4. Go for a bike ride: Dust off that badly-neglected bike in the shed and embark on an adventure. Moving your body is good for you, physically and mentally – check out the benefits listed under “go for a walk” for motivation.
5. Play board games: Nothing beats a classic board game evening. Gather your friends or family, roll the dice, and let the fun begin! Monopoly wars are far more entertaining than social media scrolling.
6. Play with your pets: Rediscover the playful side of your furry friends! Playing with your pet strengthens your bond and transports you entirely into the moment. It has also been scientifically proven to reduce stress, anxiety and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise and playfulness, and even improve your cardiovascular health. Who needs Instagram or TikTok when you have a loving pet!
7. Take up, or return to, a hobby: Remember that project you started but haven’t had time to finish? Now’s your chance! Participating in creative activities can enhance self-esteem and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Additionally, engaging in creative pursuits can foster a sense of purpose and fulfilment and increase feelings of joy and satisfaction, which is crucial in maintaining overall mental health and wellbeing. So, dive back in with passion and let your creative juices flow. You’re in for a treat!
8. Look through old photos: This data outage is the perfect opportunity to rediscover hidden treasures. Reflect on your journey by delving into those forgotten photo albums. Take a trip down memory lane, savouring small or significant achievements and good moments. You may discover some unearthed treasures that will make you feel better or give you the strength to keep pushing in the hope of better (more connected) days.
9. Listen to CDs or vinyl records: Dust off those collectibles, enjoy some nostalgia and let your old music collection take you back in time. Revel in the memories and take a trip down memory lane – good times are guaranteed!
This non-exhaustive list of activities can help you reconnect with long-forgotten pleasures. If you’d like to share how you are spending your disconnected free time, please reach me at kady.hadjab@mmg.com.au
See you on the other side!