3 Ways to Enjoy Yourself Without the Internet
We live in the age of technology – there is absolutely no denying that. It’s a part of our lives all day, every day, from the moment the alarm on our cell phone goes off to the time we check Facebook during our lunch break, to the e-mails we send before we go to bed at night.
Now don’t get me wrong: This is far from a bad thing. I’m about as pro-technology as a girl can get. But that said, every once in a while I still feel like I need a break from it all. I need to disconnect and unplug myself from the world. I need to enjoy myself without the internet.
I think this is something any plugged-in college girl can relate to, so below, I’ll share three of my favorite technology-free pastimes with you.
1. Read a book.
I’ll admit it: Most of my reading, unless it’s for class, is done on the computer these days. There are blogs available for just about every topic imaginable. The information is instantaneous, and it’s updated quicker than any newspaper or magazine could ever hope to be.
But as much I love reading my favorite blogs, sometimes all I really want to do is curl up with a good book (or e-reader) or magazine and completely lose myself in another world. By reading while stepping away from the computer (and your cell!), you are no longer at risk of being distracted by e-mails or Facebook updates – instead, you can stay focused on what you’re reading without interruption. Embrace it!
2. Take some time for meditation.
Personally, I’ve never been one for meditation, mostly because I’ve never been able to stop thinking long enough to actually enjoy it. But after reading fellow CF writer Joy’s post on the benefits of meditation, I have to say I’m tempted to try.
Not only does meditation reduce stress, increase concentration, and improve your overall sense of well being, but it has the added bonus of leaving you alone with your thoughts. For a few moments, you have the ability to step away from all of your distractions and really and truly be alone with yourself. After my stressful senior year, this sounds like just what I need – count me in!
3. Enjoy some time outside.
Ride a bike. Go for a run. Pack a picnic. Want an outdoor escape without so many trees? Head to the beach to soak up the sun (once properly sunblock-ed, of course).
So often, we become obsessed with the latest technology, the newest blog posts, or the best place for cell phone service, that we forget to take the time to really enjoy the simple things in life, like building sandcastles at the beach or picking flowers at the park. So for the ultimate way to have fun without technology, take some time to rediscover those pastimes this summer. You may just find that you don’t miss the internet as much as you thought you would.
What do you think?
Do you ever find yourself too attached to the internet and technology in general? Is there such a thing as too much technology? If so, how do you step away from it for a while? Leave a comment and let us know!
Posted on on June 19, 2011 / Filed Under: College Life / Tags: Internet, Life, meditation, Outdoors, Reading, Technology
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Reading books has been my go-to this summer! It’s amazing. I never thought that’d be me!
I’ve got 9 books out from the library and finished 5 already. :)
Lizzy
It’s so hard to find the time to read something non-class-related. But it’s definitely worth it!
Sophiecherry
This article is so right ! We should turn off our computers sometimes, but it’s really hard to find some free time between school, work and home work !
Paula*
I really needed this! I like to read paper books so that I can give my eyes a break from staring at screens :)
Caitlin
Amen to this! I love reading books, it’s so nice to just unplug sometimes. I also love to get out for walks – sometimes I purposely leave my cell phone (and everything else except keys) at home so I can just get out and enjoy the fresh air. Summertime is the best time do get back to basics.
arcel
That meditation thing is very tempting. Since I’m so stressed lately maybe I’d register to a yoga class or something.
Cortney
I’m an English major! Sometimes I think all I do is read. :P However, the reading list never really stops… I’m so glad for summer because I’m definitely going to be doing #3 & #1 at the same time.
I’m also always looking for book recommendations. Anyone got anything good?
Stephen Jack
It really seems impossible to live without internet specially social networks and video sharing sites. But, sometimes I wonder how people used to live when their was no internet even their was no computer (in case if you are thinking that we can live by playing GTA and NFS games). Some of us will may feel pity for them but I guess we should feel pity for our selves as we are far away from the. When we go to bed instead of feeling peace our mind is constantly making us to check facebook for new notifications. When we are at our friend’s place instead of sharing our thoughts we spend time on finding interesting videos on youtube.
I really admire your effort to make people realize life can be very easy even without internet.
Rebecca
Great article! I’ve been working on shutting off my computer more and I get so much more done. Nothing like curling up with a good book, heading out on a walk or just enjoying a technology free life every now and then.
am
Soooo true! I seriously think that reading is so much more entertaining at times! Another alternative that I enjoy: cooking/ baking! You can do it alone or do it with friends (:
PaulaMary
I believe that we are living in a generation that lives off of “instant gratification”…I do not have enough fingers to count the amount of ppl I know that view their cell phone as an appendage..they’d die w/o it. But I have realized that “college” is the major reason for Facebook addicition: everyone always wants to know what events are going on to when there will be free Rita’s Water Ice, so it is useful. But I deactivated my account 1.5wks ago and im not in withdrawal. I’ve even stopped creating albums because strangers should not be allowed so much access into your personal life…only friends/family should have that gift =]
Michellle
I need to print this article out and post around my desk and room!
Kaulin
The problem with me is I read too much and then I feel like I should be doing something more “productive”. :P I’ll read several books a day and I’m on the computer reading a lot too. The only exercise I get is biking to the library… will definitely try just hanging out outside!