Ever since I learned how to use a computer, I've had a difficult time limiting my time online. I'll log on to check my email and end up perusing Pinterest or some other addicting website. Four hours later, my stomach growls and I realize it's already lunch time. Half the day is gone and what do I have to show for it? Eye strain and an aching back! Last week, I decided that I really needed to do something about it. I could have just stopped using the internet altogether, but I do get value from it. I enjoy meaningful conversations with friends, I learn interesting and helpful things from blog articles, I get inspired from photos and videos people share, etc. So here is my new plan for limiting my internet consumption.
monday-friday: 10 minutes each morning to reply to emails.
saturday-sunday: 30 minutes each, for catching up on social media, blog articles, and all that.
That's the general idea. I'm using the extension StayFocusd for Chrome to block all websites during the week except Wikipedia, my thesaurus, and gmail for in the mornings. Maybe you're wondering how that helps, since it's easy to just disable it when you really want to visit those sites. But for me, it helps immensely to put an extra step between me and time sucking websites. I may stop using the extension after a few weeks, if everything goes well. But I thought it would be a good idea to use it initially when I'm most tempted to cheat. If you're interested in using a tool like this, google something like block distracting websites and you will find several options for different computers and web browsers. Or you could simply disable your internet when you want to get stuff done. I like to hide my laptop under the bed during school hours, so I'm not constantly thinking about it sitting in front of me.
Tuesday mornings are when I will be publishing new blog articles. I'll type new posts out on the weekend after working on a paper outline during the week. And as far as chat and instant messaging go, I'll schedule time for that every couple days in the evening after all my responsibilities have been taken care of. I may try to have more phone conversations also, since I need to get better at that anyway. Do you find yourself wasting time on the internet too? What are your favorite ways to keep yourself productive?
Oh yes, certainly; don't we all! For me, since I work most weekdays and some weekends now, it's much easier since I'm not around a computer all day, but the days that I'm off, and not doing anything in particular, sort of turn into attempts to read the entirety of the Internet... haha! I have thought about just completely shutting myself off from it, as you have, but like you said, it is a great value. At this point, I don't seem to have much of a problem getting done what needs doing, and so haven't really set a regimen for internet/computer use, but that may change in the future, I don't know. Which reminds me, I'm supposed to be sorting out some file folders (not the digital ones)... better get to it! ;)
ReplyDeleteThat's great, Jonathan Paul! Yep, I can relate. Good luck with your file sorting, and thanks for the comment!
DeleteHey Sarah! I think this is very diligent of you, may God bless you in what your doing. I hope that you are still able to chat with me on occasions as I love your company. And if you want to practice chating on the phone please give me a call! I'll email u my number.
ReplyDeleteGod bless!
Abigail
Thank you Abigail! Of course I'll still be able to chat with you. :) That would be fun, thanks!
DeleteSarah
Hello Sarah,
ReplyDeletegreat post! And it's nice to see that there really are 17 years old girls who deliberately want to limiting their time online.
I am also using StayFocused. After some time experimenting (and cheating) I've recently set it up to block all sites after 2 hours, hide the "allow this site" button and even remove Internet explorer from my computer. So now I cannot be online a second more - the only way would be finishing that awful writing challenge.
I've always spend a lot of my time on the internet, so 2 hours a day limit is quite challenging for me. But I am really forced to make up my mind about what i really need and want to do online (read blogs, news, learn from tutorials etc.)
I have to say I like your blog. Very soon I want to start my own blog about minimalism, personal growth and simple living and limiting my screen time will probably one of my first posts.
Have a great day, Sarah
Standa, Czech republic
Standa,
ReplyDeleteThanks, glad you enjoyed it. Cool! It's tricky to find which configuration works for you. I've gone back and forth between several, there are so many neat settings and configs to try.
Sounds like you have found a good, balanced approach! Congrats, and good luck with that. Thank you, do share the link once you start your blog, I'd like to become your first subscriber!
Have a great day yourself, and thanks for your comment.
Sarah
Thank you for your interest Sarah, but I will be writing in Czech, because I want to most of all get better at writing. The big downside of this is that I won't be able to connect with all the wonderful and friendly minimalism/simplicity bloggers like you. In Czech republic, there isn't such community:-(.
ReplyDeleteWell now, I should still be able to understand most of it with a translator! I understand you wanting to be able to connect with others in the blogging community. I know some bloggers that write in 2 or more languages, would that be an option for you? They'll either write separate posts, or have a menu/tab at the top where you can read posts in your language. Some even write the article in their native language, then write an English version below. Just an idea!
DeleteThanks, you are very kind. And good ideas about more languages, I will consider it.
ReplyDeleteI will be touch,
Have a wonderful day, Sarah!
Standa
My pleasure, and thank you. Have a wonderful Sunday yourself, Standa!
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