I’m taking a break from the digital world…to the best of my ability.In my home, the living room TV is bookended by two… bookshelves. The shelving consists of some awards, some knicknacks, but chiefly, a collection of books between Aaron and I. The division is sourly disproportionate. Rather than a 50/50 split between the two of us, Aaron’s collection greatly outweighs mine.
His collection is made up of some classics, the best known fantasy series (like “Harry Potter” and “Game of Thrones”), and the dozens of indie fantasy books and Star Wars extended universe adventures he’s consumed since his childhood. My books are either celebrity memoirs, self-help books, or manifestos on screenwriting. My books fit neatly on one shelf, and the other eleven or so shelves consist of his collection.
For a girl who used to read books cover to cover, a girl who loved reading so much she majored in it, I’ve read surprisingly little. In the past week, I’ve realized how much that bothers me. When people ask me my favorite book, I do have an answer (“The Great Gatsby,” of course), but I read it in high school. I struggle to think of a book I’ve enjoyed as much since. That’s over ten years of books that I enjoyed more than what’s considered the greatest of all time.
I’ve talked about my desire to read more (heck, it’s been a scrappy underdog in my New Year resolutions a handful of times), but I truly want to commit to the bit. My current reading list is at least 120 books long. I also want to chip away at the unofficial Rory Gilmore reading list (which I’m pretty sure I’ve mentioned at least once as well).
However, like every other goal I’ve met, my time set aside for reading loses out to scrolling on my phone, watching Youtube, or binge watching TV.
In short, I’m taking a break from screen time.
WHAT DOES “TAKING A BREAK” MEAN?
I work in digital media. My passion for film and television runs deep. I love turning on Youtube trash and zoning out, without having to think critically about anything. Certainly, I can’t say that I’m not going to look at a screen again. However, I can certainly limit my time on them!
Work, obviously takes priority. I cannot say that I’m taking a break from screen time with regard to work. On the other hand, that’s the only screen time in which I cannot be flexible. The other 16 hours of the day (give or take), in addition to my days off, can see further opportunities.
THE PHONE PROBLEM
My addiction to my phone has long flashed it’s colors. However, it’s time to listen to them. I see this problem, surprisingly, as the easiest one to solve. My intention is to simply put a timer on all the time consuming apps. I will likely set only fifteen minutes for Instagram, Twitter, and Reddit. Thus, my phone will lock me out of these apps after the timer runs out for the day! Hey, a combined one hour for the day is better than my current phone screen time. The timer is a huge step forward in diminishing this problem!
TAKING A BREAK: TV BINGES
With that in mind, I’m taking a break from binge-watching television. I still have my television list, but I will watch them one episode at a time. In that way, I won’t spend three hours a day watching television! I won’t finish a series in two days, but maybe I’ll finish it in two weeks.
However, I am making some exceptions: after the arrival of season 2, avoiding “Bridgerton” became impossible. As a result, I will be watching all of it over the course of the next week (if I can), so that I may be a part of the conversation with my friends. Similarly, the new season of “Elite” dropped last week, and I MUST watch all of that in nearly one sitting, lest I offend my sister’s delicate constitution.
Lastly, taking a break from binge watching television does NOT include the new season of “The Boys,” which comes out in the beginning of June. Should the new season of “You” come out later this year (I don’t think it will, as it’s only just begun filming), that might also be an exception to the rule.
I feel good about this decision. It might make me appreciate series more, rather than (occasionally) view them as a task to complete.
THE YOUTUBE RABBIT HOLE: A UNIQUELY MILLENNIAL DISTRACTION
I have lost count of the many hours spent on my couch watching Youtube. Sometimes it’s productive, but more often than not it’s a deep dive on Youtuber gossip or a mini true crime marathon. Not the most productive way to spend my time (as I’ve mentioned before at least once). Hence, I’m saving up my Youtube marathons for the nights after I finish a book. That way, I’ll still be able to enjoy my rabbit holes, but only as a reward for finishing a book.
Certainly, if I’m tired or drained from my day, I should do some stretching and get in bed early. If I went to bed earlier, or even just got in bed and read a book until I fell asleep, my time would be used more efficiently than if I had instead watched Youtube videos for two and a half hours. Of all my habits, I’d say taking a break from Youtube marathons is probably the most proactive thing I can do.
Hopeful Benefits of the Break
I feel like I sound like a broken record: THIS TIME, I’ll be productive. I’m going to do “the thing”, THIS TIME, for real. However, THIS TIME, I have a greater connection to what I want. Hopefully, that’s enough to inspire me to go through with it, and stay consistent. Taking a break from my constant screen time should help my productivity levels, for sure! In addition, I hope that taking a break from constant screens will help my eyes and my sleep schedule. This is a true win-win situation, if I do this right. I hope that taking a break from the screens helps me fall back in love with reading. To bridge the gap, I’m thinking of starting with “Where the Crawdads Sing,” or “Under the Banner of Heaven“… coming soon to a screen near you.