NOV 13 2017

Go offline - how to survive without technology

Aditya Murali

TAGS : wellbeing, health, life, worklife balance, digital, success

For most of us today, the digital is the future, and the new oil fields and gold mines of our times. Many professions and entire livelihoods revolve around the virtual customer experiences and services shared on the internet, mere pieces of code. However, what we’ll be talking about is not survival in a dystopia without technology, but simply being able to function without it.

Sure, you might think, “I once lost my phone on a trip, and I still made it back home.” But that’s not what we mean either. Simply put: can you do the same work you do if you didn’t have access to Google? Would you be able to remember things if you did not have your personal reminder app? Oh, and how would you pick up dates?

You see? Whether you’re a 20-something millennial or a 40-something tech-savvy, we have all gotten so used to technology making our lives better that we have forgotten what the true essence of human relations is behind these digital interfaces. So, this is more of a guide to help you keep in touch with what lies beneath the surface of digital interactions and services.

1. For a day every week, cut yourself off completely from all digital devices and the internet. Different people take away different lessons from this simple practice. You could learn to appreciate the simple realities of life around you more fully without the distraction of your devices. Or, you could carry on with your every day and fully appreciate the difference in lifestyle. Whatever the takeaway, this simple practice lends valuable perspective that is lost somewhere between the screen and the eye.

2. Allot an “online” time for each day. This is the time when you can check your social media handles, catch up on news feeds and personal mail. This tackles one of the biggest problems of being connected digitally - losing focus. We are constantly on edge, and react instantly when our devices ping with a notification, even if most times, it has no interest or importance for us. You can also look into changing your notification settings so you can switch them off for the time you are at work.

3. Start and end your day without technology. Most of us read news, or message our loved ones as we retire for the day, or right after we wake up. This robs you of the benefit of a fulfilled rest, as we keep our minds active even as we go to sleep, and as soon as we wake up.

4. Do one task a day without the aid of an app/google. Start small, it could be something as simple as finding a place without resorting to using Maps. This cultivates a sense of independence in you that wouldn’t shake easily when you are left stranded, digitally speaking.

At the end of the day, all this technology, all the services they offer, and all the potential they hold have meaning only as long as the human element is kept alive. Already, we can notice how we follow this need to put our lives on social media for people to see and appreciate, instead of grabbing every moment to connect more with ourselves, our surroundings and people around us. No digital revolution is worth living disconnected. Healthy user experience may just be the key to the success of all brands and products in the future.

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