Digital Sabbatical vs Digital Lifestyle Makeover
I have been hearing about what some are calling a digital sabbatical over and over for the past three to four months now and I finally want to say… IDK… this one is probably not for me.
The question may be asked – What is a digital sabbatical? Some say it is
Dedicating one day a week or even a whole month away from the internet, email, twitter, and other online activities.” To others, an extended sabbatical is even more appealing (Rowdykittins)
They say the main reason for a DS is to have a mind cleans, a way to reclaim your time, exercise you body, and break the online dependency. But, My problem with this concept is simple – when the weekend, the one week, one month is over, what are they going to do about the problem that made them feel like they needed a digital sabbatical in the first place? They are going to go right back to their same old bad habits: mindless surfing, odd hours of online gaming, excessive social media abuse. I say, you can achieve the same goals with a good old fashion time management, self-control and discipline.
I propose a digital life-style makeover:
Manage your time in such a way that you can surf the web, reply to emails, update your Facebook and twitter status and moderate blog comments etc… So that your life is not subsumed by the internet or social media. Set appropriate times and healthy boundaries so that you can give your life to other important activities. This is the old school approach. The point here is to limit and plan your time online so you can focus on things of priority and utmost importance. Dedicate your time to your family when you get home from work and over the weekend. Manage your time jealously so that you don’t take time away from those you love just to be on the Internet.
Turn the phone off or on mute. Check voice messages to see if there are emergencies, if not return calls the next day… Especially when you are with you family and love ones. Go to bed early. Don’t stay up all night on the Internet. Set appropriate times for online activities, discipline yourself, stick to the plan, make it your lifestyle – your digital makeover lifestyle. If you can not discipline yourself to help you manage your time online, I highly recommend the Anti-social Software. It shuts off social media for the time you allow. That way, you can play with your kids, take a walk with you wife, do some gardening or mow the lawn, read a book, go to Church, volunteer to serve locally and not deal with temptations and lack of discipline.
Please let me know if you prefer the digital sabbatical or the idea of a digital lifestyle makeover or even better – your very own solution… You can share it right here.
Related Article: Divert daily, Withdraw weekly, Abandon annually
Photo via BB
Walter Bright 
I think you make a really good point about not just doing random sabbaticals, but creating a healthy, balanced life. Even so, I’ve found some benefits in just turning everything off for some extended time.
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amen Walter! I used to build websites until 3 am every night…..then sleep until 10 and do it all again….I always wanted to cut back..but never did…until I had a serious stroke and brain surgery that keeps me from that old lifestyle….I am so blessed that God took care of me despite myself…..
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I’m so glad to hear that you are doing better. Wow! Thanks for sharing that…
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AMEN and AMEN!!! Just like anything else in life its all about moderation and priority! Great post.
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I think it’s your own choice..I was a social media and internet fiend for a while..I used to be chattering on my phone all the time..and sending messages..
One day about 2 years ago..I realised that it was all too much..I deleted my facebook account..the only social media I have is my blog (if you can call that social media)..my phones now are automatically timed to go off at 11:30pm and now my internet activity has become more specific and isn’t just me using my time idly..now I did what I did because I needed the drastic change..and what worked for me..I’m sure won’t work for others..and since I have changed it up..I really don’t feel like I am missing anything..I check my email..read the news..skype my father..maybe do a little online shopping..but I don’t spend hours on the internet like I used to..
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Wow. I never heard of that type of sabbatical before. I agree with time management and prioritizing when you have a family. I know that when the Lord calls me to rest I will remove myself from anything that is not important. I always ask the Lord to provide for those areas if I am not able to tend to them. ( though I believe He does provide anyway, I still like to ask Him for the gap to be bridged. ) I just never want to be consumed by something that will cause me to error in thought and action if I become overwhelmed. Priority is key.
Thanks for sharing this Walter. Blessings to you and yours. Hoping all is well on your end.
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Doing awesome… Thanks for the comment!
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Like any good thing there can be too much of it. That can be true if your activities onthe internet are not worthwhile. Blogging is a time consuming activity. If you are blogging on subjects that are important to you then it is not time wasted. Writing is the best way to clarify your thoughts and I believe that it is a great way to pray.
As to social media, I haven’t got the hang of it. I have a facebook account but I don’t get why I have it. If you can tell me what to do with it I sure would like to know.
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Dear sister in Christ
I’m a pastor, I’ married, I have two kids and I leave my office at three, Mondays through Friday. I need to manage my time in such a way that I am present during family time. Cuz, there is time for everything. As a pastor I do all my study and research online… That is very meaningful and important, but I still have to remind myself that I’m also a father and a husband and when it is time to be father or husband I want to be there and not elsewhere.
If you are not already an active fb/twitter user, I don’t see the point of you becoming one now. Unless you sense the need. The need to connect with friends or family and see whats going on in their lives through daily updates, photos, video and live chat.
Stay bless my sister and thanks for the comment!
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Ephesians 5:15, 16
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.
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There is time for everything! That includes Social Media and Online Surfing. When that time is up… Be wise and turn off those wonderful gadgets Ecc. 3:1-8
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