I went on a 24 hour digital detox and here’s what happened

I was thinking about doing this challenge for some time and yesterday I decided to give it all in. It was my first day of vacation which I hadn't expected to go like this.

Background

I’m in my late 20s, living alone which gave me the liberty to make my own decisions. I had no dependencies. I was sober the whole day.

The first 12 hours

Easy-peazy. The time was spent in sleeping, cooking, and cleaning. Yes, I got questions when I woke up(like how’s the weather, what’s the temperature, etc.) but I quickly realized I cannot find the answers.

The next 6 hours

I read more than I imagined. I sat for 2 straight hours and read. Generally, I cannot read for more than 30 minutes at a stretch, forget 6 hours. I read 3 books not completing any of them: Japan guide, The best place to work by Ron Friedman, Bazaar of Bad dreams by Stephen King. I was in a nearby library which provided a quiet environment and comfortable chairs for me to spend a long time. Watching other teenagers reading and taking ample breaks, I realized that as people get old, they become wiser and have better focus. Not just watching those teenagers, but another young adult guy was super focused in his work. That made my realization stronger.

I absolutely loved the experience of reading books. Stephen King’s short story was so intriguing I felt I was watching a horror movie. I was giggling, surprised, amused by seeing how the story was taking shape. The best place to work book gave me ideas on how to make a workplace better where employees are happy, productive, and friendly. I hope to discuss these ideas with my future manager in my next company.

The last 6 hours

They were the most challenging. I did not know what to do. I felt like a prisoner. So I just started writing. I have a habit of journalling which I do on a iPad with an Apple pencil. Today, I had to write on a paper with a pen. I wrote about financial freedom and planned life till my retirement age (¯\_( ͡❛ ͜ʖ ͡❛)_/¯). I planned on what skills are necessary to achieve the financial freedom. I could not google anything so I wrote every question on the paper.

I meditated for 40 minutes when I could barely manage for 20 minutes. I could not set a timer for meditation(no leverage of a watch/smartphone). I was surprised that I pulled it for 40 minutes. I still have a long way to become more mindful.

What I learnt:

1. I had less things to think about.
2. I was not distracted by the constant flow of information.
3. I was more focused into myself
4. My body was much more capable of doing things than I thought
5. I could eat without watching my favorite TV show. This was a big thing.

Should you try it?

Yes, if:

1. You are constantly distracted by gadgets
2. You are constantly bombarded with an infinite amount of information
3. You want to challenge your mind

No, if:

1. It effects your work

Tips on doing this challenge

1. Plan ahead to prevent frustration
2. Notify concerned people in advance so that they do not worry
3. Try it on a weekend or a time when you are totally free

Overall, this challenge was much easier than I expected. Deep work requires no distractions. That’s why people such as writers isolate themselves.