The logical thing to do when unplugging for some time is to blog and tweet about it right?
I began thinking about what I wanted from chosen downtime and how to do it best. Since this is not a one time thing (and not the first time either) I want to able to unplug in different ways:
Code Red: Total unplug. No twitter, No email, No facebook etc
Code Orange: I don´t read tweets and don´t tweet but I answer direct messages, and email. I will not catch up on feeds when I´m plugged again.
Code Yellow: I might read and share stuff but I will not be updated on everything in my feed. This will be a broadcast and answer only. Not the best way to use social media – but for taking an inspirational reading day -it might work fine.
Code Green: Plugged…
While doing reasearch about unplugging (Yes – I know… But I did). I found out that I missed National day of unplugging. I downloaded their app (Yes… I know… But I did) and it’s a funny fact that the function to make your own unplugging manifesto is not working (is this app trying to tell me something?)
Why unplug:
There are lot’s of good reasons to do so. Top priority for this unplugging time is to slow down and be present with my family during vacation time.
To single task, reduce stress and simply to recharge could be other reasons to unplug. How do you unplug? And for what reasons? – I´d like to do an updated version of this post later so your input would be highly appreciated.
Anyway – Here are some links if you are so inclined.
The 99 %: What Happened to Downtime? The Extinction of Deep Thinking & Sacred Space
Harvard Business Review – Blog: The Magic of Doing One Thing at a Time
BBC-Future: Time out on technology
Renny Gleeson TED talk on antisocial phone tricks (3 minutes)
TTW: The BALANCED Librarian (Updated)
See you soon. Take care.
[credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ste71/3884926360/ ]
http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20120509-time-out-on-technology
Jan Holmquist 
Great post, Jan, I love the color codes! and something that’s been on my mind lately. Coincidentally, I took a break from Facebook (haven’t logged in since the middle of February) to unplug from my normal routine. Ironically, my “face break” led me to spend more time on Twitter and become super-absorbed with Pinterest, but it was still well worth it because I got out of my social “rut”, explored new horizons, made a lot of new LIS contacts, and learned something in the process (I also won a free copy of David Lankes’ new book!). As they sing on Sesame Street, you gotta put down the ducky if you wanna play the saxophone!
I’m also a big fan of mini-breaks, and use a Mac app called Timeout to train myself into taking regular breaks…even a few minutes of unplugging helps to refresh and re-center my mind. Here’s a link if you want to try it out (it’s free) http://www.dejal.com/timeout/
Thank you for you comment Rick… And for sharing your thoughts about this topic.
I think it is an important part of being a professional to be online and offline sometimes too. I liked this article about saying “It´s not a priority right now” instead of saying “I don´t have time”. When twitter or other social networks are not only used professionally but also as news updates, keeping up with new music and connecting to friends it is harder to know when to choose to pull the plug.
That´s why I think the color scale is useful. “I am code red right now – I am playing with the kids”. For me it is about giving my attention to the people and the topics that matter to me.
It is interesting that you got good new connections and learned about other networks… And a good prize it is to win the new R.D Lankes book. I will dedicate some time to other networks inspired by this.
I have tried the Pomodoro technique for taking mini breaks (I use an iphone app – Pomodoro Pro). I used a similar PC app like the one you use called breaker. It is good but I never got used to it – Use the iPhone app more.
I love the idea of colour codes. I actually go Code Red quite regularly. It’s usually one day of the weekend or the whole weekend. It keeps me sane!
That is a good way to say it. we need to do that to keep sane and relax… It has been too long since I have done this. Thanks for your comment.