But lately I have had mixed feelings about all the time I spend with my computer. The internet can be really draining. At times, I am bouncing from site to site so much that I am on inspiration overload, but my brain hasn’t processed any of it.
A mini unscheduled break was in order.
The first day I was extremely tempted to spy on what was going on. I felt guilty that I didn’t have any blog posts scheduled. I hadn’t twittered anything of any real significance (Who am I kidding? When do I ever? Oh well.) I didn’t even have any ideas for blog posts, and it was making me anxious.
But by Sunday, I have to admit, it felt pretty nice. We ventured to a local park and had a picnic in the sun. We even stayed home during the afternoon and watched movies. Usually I try and multi-task by typing on my laptop while the television plays in the background. On this particular day, I actually watched the movie. Who knew? I wasn’t asking L every ten minutes, “Wait, what’s going on now?”
Also, I think L enjoyed the extra attention. My eyes weren’t glued to the computer screen, which, of course, he loved.
For anyone feeling internet burnout, I would suggest an internet-free weekend! It works wonders.
Do you ever experience burnout? How do you deal with it?
P.S. This post was written Sunday night. So technically, I didn’t last the whole weekend without being online. Damn! It’s like my crack.
ens
ive actually been entertaining the idea of an internet detox as of late BUT i just can't do it. My fiance is deployed and it's really our only means of communication – i think i'll internet detox on our honeymoon 🙂 haha.. i think.
Cathleya
I took an internet free long weekend (4th of july) and my inbox was so buried by Tuesday that I regretted it 🙁 I burn out a lot on the internet but because I work on it there's not much I can do about it… oh well! I try to keep my reader very tight, and only read stuff that truly makes me happy or things I'm interested in, and I don't really "surf" news/gossip sites or venture too far from work stuff and my google reader… that's how I keep (semi) sane 🙂
-J.Darling
I HIGHLY recommend unplugging at LEAST one day a week. A therapist friend of mine said that the greatest gift we can give someone is truly being present, in the moment, with them – not distracted by texting, lap tops, etc. 🙂 Good idea! Maybe this should be a weekly retreat for you? The internet world will be there when you come back. 🙂
My Dream Ring
I was so burnt out after the weddinf was over and I took a break after that but found that I missed it all. Thats why I blog every other day so I don't get burnt out to fast.
Vanessa
I take breaks from time to time but I usually do not last very long. My job requires me to spend most of my day in front of the screen so I get tired of looking at computers. Now with an iphone though, it gets harder and harder to actually be disconnected from online.
honey my heart
it is so hard to unplug from the internet, but i find that when i have things to do over the weekend, that helps. i'm always on my laptop at home, reading blogs, on twitter, and looking at photos that it is hard to pry myself away. good for you and your internet free weekend 🙂
thelessthandomesticgoddess
@ens: When we went on our mini-moon, I stayed off the internet the entire time. Granted it was only like 3 days, but still…I think my new husband appreciated it 🙂
@Cathleya: Given your job, I don't think you can take much of an internet break! But it sounds like you have a good system going. I partake in too much mindless surfing. That is what I think drains me the most!
@J. Darling: Good idea! I think I can handle one day a week 🙂
@My Dream Ring: I burned out BIG TIME after the wedding! I don't think I blogged regularly for months.