What I Learnt from My Computer-Free Weekend

My husband’s office decided to have a short day at work on Friday so that everyone could kick off the long weekend right. That afternoon, we sat on a bench in the playground watching my nearly 10 month old take a few steps. Yep, she’ll be walking any day now. While my nearly 5 year old ran around like a bat outta hell. Today was the anniversary of us arriving in New York. A year ago, we flew well over 18 hours from New Zealand to our new home for the next 3 months in Manhattan, followed by a quick and eventful trip to my parents in Montreal.

We were talking about how we should celebrate. We decided on an early dinner out at a restaurant I’d been wanting to try since we arrived in Brooklyn in December of last year. But, then my husband threw out, “What if we were to have a computer-free weekend?” I think I developed a bit of the cold sweats, but I agreed. I’m so happy that I did as it was just the recharge I needed and I learnt so much about time management, myself and how to be more creative.

Here are the 10 things that I learnt or were reaffirmed on my computer-free Labor Day Weekend

1. I am slightly addicted to the internet We ended up changing it up a little as it became apparent that I needed to be able to at least check my Twitter DMs that can often come in by the dozen from my sister in Ottawa. Her and I are close, and the ‘computer’ is how we communicate. When we talked about going computer-free what we were really trying to achieve was time away from work, not being disconnected from the ones we love. So, besides the 2 Skype calls to my sister, I was computer-free from Saturday morning to Monday midday. Though I was allowed to check my phone occasionally for direct messages on Twitter and Facebook, but not my emails.
2. Writing/journaling helps ease the anxiety of not being on the computer for a few days I used to journal religiously as a child, but not so much as an adult. Listening to Karen from Chookooloonks explain how she journals at The Niche Mommy Conference made me think that her way of journaling could work for me too. My ideas and thoughts were all in one place in my brand spanking new journal. If I had a blog idea or any other ideas, I wrote it down. The best part was that my mind didn’t feel so full of ideas it was going to explode. There is actually alot of space in there now 🙂
3. My kids love the beach as much as I do This picture below is the end of the day, they are zonked.

   

4. I love love running especially in the rain When I am not spending time on the computer, somehow time to go out for a run miraculously presents itself. Over the weekend, I managed 10 miles over 2 runs, one run was rainy…my favorite kinda run
5. I sleep better at night when I’m not on the computer right before bed I already know that I shouldn’t roll into bed straight from the computer, but somehow I can’t help myself. This weekend I had no choice and I slept blissfully.
6. I love taking baths
7. I love reading magazines
8. My little family and I are better for my dedicated time off
9. I am more productive after a computer free weekend and you know what? My blog did not disappear over the weekend without me

Do you ever disconnect to reconnect with yourself or your family?