Unplugging
Why I took a long overdue digital detox, and why you should too
Dear Nobody in Particular,
I suppose I should open this week’s letter of encouragement by addressing the irony of what I am about to say with this brief missive that has landed in your email inbox: yes, I am advocating for you to take a significant and serious break from screens—all while delivering said message through a screen as you log more time in front of one reading these words 😅
Since drafting last week’s letter during our flight to Sedona, AZ, I have taken an intentional break from spending time in front of any sort of screen to completely cut off my social media consumption. The only screen exceptions I allowed myself was to use my phone for taking pics and checking downloaded maps from AllTrails. Moreover, this was a special trip in which BBF (“Beautiful Best Friend”) and I were celebrating our 16th wedding anniversary, so I wanted to stay focused on her and our shared experience as a way to reconnect and deepen the strength of our already amazing bond 🥰
Why did I need this break?
For the better part of the previous 3 years, I have fallen deeper and deeper down the Web3 rabbit hole. Like many others during 2020, I became fascinated with blockchain technology and how it will reshape our future. After much research I began investing and started to get involved with several communities within various ecosystems (most heavily in Polkadot), all the while building important and meaningful relationships with many people whom I now consider close friends.
But all this came at a cost…
If you’re not involved in the Web3 space, it is hard to describe how incredibly fast-paced it is. The passage of time alone feels warped, but I’m not kidding when I say that one week can feel like a month when a lot is going on. So much happens in such a short span of time that it’s borderline impossible to keep up with it all. And as someone who is insatiably curious and a lifelong learner, I have tried my best to keep up with it, much to the detriment of my own mental health.
This feeling of “missing out” only ramped up even more when I started my dream job at Lucky Friday—so I realized that the best way forward for my personal productivity and sanity was to completely unplug from everything and get back to the basics of life. If you are a younger reader, Nobody, it is hard to convey with words what life was like before we had smart phones and social media. As a Gen Xer, I am keenly aware of both the good and bad that the internet era has introduced to our lives, so this vacation was an attempt to live a life unencumbered by devices and get back to the essentials— breathing fresh mountain air, hiking 10+ miles every day, talking with my wife about our dreams, and otherwise just trying to be as present as I could in each and every moment.
What have I learned in the process?
A lot, if I’m being honest. First and foremost, I had no idea how ridiculously addicted to social media I am. As a fan of neuroscience, I’m keenly aware of how apps such as Twitter (and even Discord and Telegram) are designed to keep the dopamine flowing. Although I literally have to be on these apps all day long for work, the obsession crosses a line when you “need” to check a tweet while visiting with family on the weekends or look at my feed one last time before going to bed. Though I originally planned on deleting the the Twitter app from my iPhone when I got on the plane, I forgot and instead treated this past week as an exercise in willpower by not actively opening it up. I was surprised by how easy it was to ignore its siren song, but that was likely due to constantly being outdoors and active every day.
But the most important lesson learned? The power of presence. This entire week was akin to a weeklong meditation retreat. On every single hike or outdoor adventure, when I wasn’t chatting about life with my wife or calling out hazards on our trail, I was constantly aware of my breathing, the sensations in my body (including multiple stabbings by Prickly Pear cacti), the crunch of desert clay or squish of strange mud beneath my feet, the mix of cool air and warm sun, and the amazing winds of the famous vortexes around the Sedona area.
It’s truly difficult to explain how much more alive I feel when not too focused on screens. Granted, I know that this is impossible to maintain moving forward, but it underscores the need for all of us to ensure we take long breaks from the demands of our digital world. I personally plan on being much more present with Erin, our family, and the rest of our friends whenever we gather in person. Twitter, Discord, and TG can always wait when I am in the presence of other human beings, and I believe this past week I have proven to myself that I am capable of a better balance with all that Web3 demands. If you haven’t taken the time to give yourself a digital detox, I would highly encourage you do so—and use that time to reconnect with the people who matter most in your life, Nobody in Particular. I’m quite confident that they will appreciate the presence and love you bring to each of those meaningful interactions you share in any given moment.
Okay, I’ve said enough and kept you staring at your phone or computer for too long as it is. Please shut down this screen, get together with family and/or friends (preferably outdoors), breathe in the air together, and make it a magical day, Nobody!
Lots of love to you and yours,
Ryan / Phunky
Great post Phunky. Admittedly, I noticed your lack of presence this week. I think this is a very important post. Time away from the screen, being present in the present moment, wherever that might be, is sound advice. For the past three years, we've travelled to Oldshoremore, Scotland (well worth searching on google maps, and zooming out for perspective). Alongside the stunning beauty, and sandy beaches, my favourite thing about it is there is no anything signal. Nothing. Although forced detox, it is always welcome. Thanks for reminding me, we need to plan this years trip.
Love this! Had a deep conversation with my wife about this topic as well. It is very important to take time off the screen and appreciate what is most important in life: meaningful relationships.
Thank you for this incredibly great post and message. You are awesome 🫂