Sometimes you have to disconnect to stay connected. Remember the old days when you had eye contact during a conversation? When everyone wasn’t looking down at a device in their hands? We’ve become so focused on that tiny screen that we forget the big picture, the people right in front of us.–Regina Brett

Internet and social media has completely blinded us from living our life to the fullest. The World Wide Web has indeed lived up to its name by capturing us completely in its fold. It is time that we take a minute to look into our lives and do something with ourselves rather than tapping on the phone or on the tab. Of course, not the weekdays, when we have to work, but we can definitely step back from this virtual non-existent world during weekends and pay attention around us.

I have been a virtual addict for so long that even when I wake up in the middle of the night; the first thing I search for is my phone. So one day, I decided that enough is enough and I need to take a step back from this. So, I tried not using my phone for a day. Trust me, it was insane to start with.

I didn’t know what I should do when there is no phone to browse through. But slowly, I felt relaxed and started doing things which I haven’t done for a long time. I played badminton with my brother and I think we used to play during our school days , gossiped with my mother, read  some comics too which was used to be my best time pass ever, (real paperback not the virtual versions) and even slept peacefully for some time. It is surprising on how many things we miss out by being addicted to social media, tapping away on our phones, trying to read what is happening in other people’s lives. It is time that we take control of our lives.

So let’s change something to get rid of this e-addiction
Change your routine
Easier said than done! Let us start with something simple.

1. Indulge yourself in books (not the virtual ones)
2. Write something about the day or anything that inspired you on paper with an actual pen (not on the net)
3. If you like to paint do that, play with your children or your siblings.
4. Speak to your friends (of course you may use phone here!) from school, college, go out with them on a hike or a trek. Take your kids out to play in the park.
5. Do something adventurous and exciting in the real world, not in the virtual world. Play some sport like badminton or tennis or cricket. It’s time for you to feel with connection with yourself and made some with people living around you
6. If you do not have an option to go out, then just disconnect from internet for a day and indulge in spending time with and upon yourself. Cook something healthy, take a long bath, and meditate. You will be surprised on how much you can relax.
7. Even before you go to sleep, you need to stay away from the electronics for at least an hour. This way, your mind relaxes and so does your body. No update or comment on the internet will spoil your beautiful sleep for the night. You can always check them later on the next day.
8. Set a time limit to yourself -We cannot strive in this world without connecting to the internet. So while we need to be aware of how it endangers our lives, we also need to stay connected to move on. We cannot remove the presence of the virtual world from our lives. But, we can set a time limit to it. Set a time limit of say 30 min to 1 hour everyday on social media. Use this time to check messages, requests, feedbacks, making your own comments and so on. Do not connect to social media other than this time. We need to understand that people are more important to us as they are the ones who can support us during tough times and share our happiness. So pay attention to those around you – your parents, your kids, your spouse, your siblings.

You don’t have to strive to make your friends and family feel good. All you need to do is feel good about yourself and what you do. Spend time with them in the real world and the rest will follow.
Live your life to the fullest. You will be more content and happy by living in the real world than by the comments and feedbacks you get on the social media. Have a great life in the real world!

So what are you waiting for get on and disconnect yourself from the e-world for a while and connect with your life again…