The Annual December Info Detox
Two years ago, I decided to take a month away from the Internet to relax and be with the family. Last year, I did the same, but strove for zero frivolous spending as well. It’s time once again for my annual fast, and this year, I find myself in an odd position.
When I started the initial detox, it was because I was overwhelmed by all the data I was taking in. Twitter, RSS feeds, etc, etc. Since returning to Cleveland, I’ve taken steps to not feel so overwhelmed all the time. Little by little, I’ve been edging away from drinking from the firehose that is the Internet. I do not feel as obligated to keep up with every scrap of data that’s thrown in my direction. Because of this, I’m not suffering the usual burnout I feel at this time of year.
This years info detox will be a continuation of what I’ve been trying to do with my life in general: engage with the people I care about, keep in touch with the ones I do not get to see via an appropriate medium (email, StatusNet, etc), and spend time with my family instead of staring at a screen.
There might be blog posts this year, if I find I have something to say. Stay tuned, if you like. I might surprise you.
How are you celebrating this time of year? What changes do you make in December? What changes would you like to make?
December 1st, 2009 at 8:12 am
My husband and I are doing NO DESSERT DECEMBER. It needs no additional explanation. Wish us luck!
December 1st, 2009 at 11:55 am
I commend you on your yearly detox. I try to do that on the weekends and am pretty successful. Plus my eyes thank me.
As for how I’m celebrating this time of year… we usually do some decorating, get together with friends for cookie making and other festivities. Usually we spend Christmas Eve with my parents and Christmas Day with Andy’s. However, this year we will be spending it with my dad’s side of the family. Last time I did that was in ‘91 so it’s been quite a while. It also involves leaving the country, so I predict a two week internet detox as a side effect. Unfortunately my parents probably won’t be able to go given my mom’s chemo schedule. My brother-in-law’s wedding is on the 19th, so there’s that too. This year is going to be quite different than the norm on many levels.
What changes would I like to make? Hmm… you know, I’m really not sure. Less holiday craziness, I suppose. I don’t think I’ll get that wish though.