Term used to describe a state of being off of the Internet, no Facebook, Twitter, Skype, AIM, Gmail chat, Myspace etc. The only exception being e-mail and phone calls (only school/work related). Generally used in cases of drama-overdose.
-Urban Dictionary
OUR HEALTH AND NEW TECHNOLOGY
For many of us, we don’t realize how intense the stress in our lives has become due to our constant online connectivity. In recent years, research has demonstrated that our constant contact with social media may actually place our health in jeopardy. In an article titled “How Gadgets and the Internet are Turning Us Into a Nation of Emotional Basket Cases”, the DailyMail.com reports “British psychologists are increasingly concerned at the impact new technology is having on people’s mental wellbeing. For example, Dr. Michael Sinclair, clinical director of the City Psychology Group in London, says many of his patients suffer from feeling unable to escape the stress that constant communication brings. (1) “
REMEDIES
Each of has different obligations that determine how much we can disconnect from social and online media for a wellness break. With proper preparation, almost all of us have the ability to take a reprieve. Here are some ideas, starting with the most basic and escalating to total detachment.
- No Smart Phones at Meals: BE PRESENT. First, recognize the food that you using to nourish your body. Also, when eating with others, provide quality companionship and conversation. When you are constantly distracted by your smart phone, you are doing a disservice to your body and those around you.
- Turn Emails off at 6 pm. I finally had to suggest this to my entrepreneur husband because he would look at his I phone at 2 am, review a message from a client and instantly turn into a stressed out insomniac. Some nights he would even wake me up to craft a response, which would lead both of us to being exhausted in the morning. Interesting, since he instituted this rule, he has had no complaints from clients or colleagues/
- Physically Exercise Without Your Social Media, Emails or Texts Enabled. When exercising, give your brain a break! If running or walking, let your brain roam to music, an audio book or just enjoy your surroundings. I find practicing studio yoga is a forced break for smart phone "addicts" because technology is typically not allowed in the studio. And please...nothing is more frustrating than a group riding lesson when someone is answering texts on their smart phone!
- Take a day off from all social media and emails. Turn on your “out of office” responder, disable your social media and texting in your settings and let your brain “cool off”. You may decide to stay home and read, go to the spa or visit the stable. Choose an activity that will allow your brain your relax.
- Physically “go off grid”. Travel to a location where there is no technology present to allow for online connectivity. You might feel as if you are going through "withdrawals" for your first day or so, but experience typically shows that you will eventually reach a new level of relaxation!
I have been just as guilty of constantly checking emails, texts and engaging in social media during social interactions. I am the first to admit that this is disrespectful. In the last year, I have made a commitment to "try" to become more present when visiting with friends and family.
MY EXPERIENCE: Taking the Leap Off-Grid
Last Friday-Sunday I flew into a remote family-owned ranch location that is almost totally removed from external communication. My husband and I had been remiss in taking advantage of this luxury due to our self-inflicted business and family "obligations". What occurred to both of us in just a short time was a reminder of our priorities and the negative impact we have inflicted on ourselves due to our lifestyle. We had both forgotten how important it is to spend time "off grid" for our psyches.
My anxiety plummeted, my sleep skyrocketed and I was more “present” in conversation. For the first time in years, I went for a run and just enjoyed the beauty around me as opposed to focusing on my pace and distance covered. It was relaxing just to sit by the corral and interact with the ranch horses instead of analyzing my last ride or focusing on a future lesson. In the end, I returned to "connectivity" totally invigorated and ready to face a new week with an entirely new perspective and attitude.
Within 10 minutes of leaving cell service. Instant relief of stress. Stella made for a great pillow.
DESTINATION PISTOL CREEK
The landing strip. You can either fly of float in.
HOME
The original home burned down in one of the worst forest fires in Idaho in 2000. The main house and bunk house are perched on the banks of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, which is a world famous rafting/floating destination for people around the world. Many visitors on the Middle Fork have never seen the U.S. West. Our family carefully worked with the U.S. Forest Service to rebuild in an architecture style that reflected the culture. All of the materials had to be flown or floated in to rebuild the home.
THE HORSES
The horses on the ranch must be incredibly sure footed due to the rugged trails. It is quite a process for the ranch hands to ride them each Spring through the mountains to the ranch. They also must trail out before the snow and ice in start accumulating in late fall. Packing them out in a string is almost impossible due to the terrain. Because of their steadfastness and dispositions, these horses are worth their weight in gold.
The language of horses is universal. Nothing calms my soul more than connecting horses.
The horses are kept safe in corrals during the day due to the chance of planes landing on the remote strip. In the evenings, they are turned out on the lush grass surrounding the ranch. Many mornings we wake up with the horses munching grass around the house.
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ENVIRONMENT
The land is privately owned and conservation and preservation of the natural habitat is of the utmost concern.
(1) http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2175674/How-gadgets-internet-turning-nation-emotional-basket-cases.html