Airplane Mode
So... we go on an extended vacation every year with friends & up to now, our typical "modus operandi" has been that we ALL take pictures with our cameras (and now our phones), and then, at the end the day, everyone does a "data dump" to my DropBox account, so that I can separate all of the pictures from that particular day into folders. That way, when I get home, I can create a memory book (think Shutterfly, or an equivalent).
And this has worked according to plan for a long time now until this year that is, when after the 2nd day I noticed that our ship was leaving & heading out to the next day's port about 4-5pm every night, which meant that there was no internet connection...and subsequently, no downloading or organizing of that day's pictures. Heck, I might as well have been in airplane-mode!
And I must admit, at first this really concerned me (actually, I was in full-panic mode)! Just think of all the things I could (and should) be doing if only I had an internet connection!
But after two days at sea, (one of which was unplanned), I found myself so "far behind" that I decided to try something that for me, was nothing short of revolutionary!
Why not take this opportunity to embrace "Airplane Mode"???
Just to see what that would feel like?
And you know what? I felt unplugged... yet connected!
I know this sounds like an oxymoron, but hear me out here!
I felt like turning on "Airplane Mode" disconnected me from the digital world, BUT... it reconnected me with the real one! It was like taking a deep breath of fresh air at the beach! It allowed me to reconnect with myself & others - no WiFi necessary!
In retrospect, I can honestly say that this may have been the most relaxing vacation I've ever had!
Which got me to thinking...
What if I could incorporate "Airplane Mode" into my daily routine at home?
And now I've been home for a while, I've pretty much settled into a routine of having two blocks of "Airplane Mode" time every day.
1st, from 10am to Noon & then
2nd, from 2 to 4pm
And here's what I've found out!
Incorporating "Airplane Mode" into my
daily routine has been profound!
- A Battery Life Boost: Ever notice how your phone's battery lasts longer in "Airplane Mode"? I feel like that's true for me too! By shutting off life's constant pings, dings & rings, I'm giving my mental battery a break, allowing me to recharge faster & last longer.
- Rediscovering the Art of Single-Tasking: It allows me to focus on ONE task with the intensity of my cat watching a laser pointer. No more juggling. Just me and the task at hand.
- Promoting Offline Work: "Airplane Mode" encourages me to engage in tasks that do not necessitate an internet connection. This can be particularly advantageous when sewing or writing since there's not the constant temptation of online distractions.
So, how about you? I'd love to know what you think of "Airplane Mode"? Do any of you use this technique, or something else in order to incorporate more "focused time" into your day?
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