Technology Overload

Let's call it out in the beginning! Here I am, sitting in my favourite cafe and ranting about technology overload on my laptop. Hilarious! I deserve no sympathy. 

Winter is pretty much here in England and it is a cold one! My partner and I have been spending a lot of time indoors and sadly, in front of a large flat-screen TV. In addition, I have been working on my laptop and at the end of the day, reading on my phone. I am ashamed to admit that outside of cooking, walking, and grocery shopping we have been 100% dependent on technology. More accurately, on screens. The short days and long nights have added to our inactivity recently. Even doing yoga involves my laptop now! 

It has been interesting to notice what happened to me in just three weeks of excessive screen time. My attention span has shortened considerably, my productivity has decreased, and my sleep patterns aren't looking good at all. In fact, I feel like I am living my life in a strange state of limbo where days blend into each other and nothing much is achieved on a daily basis. When the screens are finally switched off and I am in bed trying to sleep, my head bursts with thoughts. These thoughts then give rise to emotions and goodbye sleep, my old friend! Bad means I don't feel fresh the next day. 

Another interesting thing that I have noticed is the use of screens to escape my inner voice. It's almost become an unconscious habit where I will do anything to get in front of a screen to avoid the inner Jahnavi telling me to do something. Even as I write this, I am tempted to check my Twitter feed, have a peek at Whatsapp, and randomly read start a new book. 

In a strange way, I am screaming for some inner peace. As strange as it may sound, there is no apparent reason for my inner turmoil except for the fact that my brain needs constant stimulation to the point of exhaustion. I am no longer living in the now; instead, I am living a double life! One online and an inadequate one offline. 

Even as I type this, I know the answer is to practice mindfulness and/or meditation. To switch off the screens before bed and whenever possible during the day. To be in the now! To enjoy my surroundings, to be grateful. Why does it feel so difficult to do though? Let me try setting aside some time next week to do some of these things. I will rant to you the result.