Ross Dickinson - How to Unplug: Get Off Your Gadgets and Start Enjoying Real Life

HOW TO UNPLUG

Copyright Summersdale Publishers Ltd, 2016

Images Shutterstock/Leremy

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced by any means, nor transmitted, nor translated into a machine language, without the written permission of the publishers.

Ross Dickinson has asserted his right to be identified as the author of this work in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

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Vie Books is an imprint of Summersdale Publishers Ltd

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eISBN: 978-1-78372-802-2

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Disclaimer
Neither the author nor the publisher can be held responsible for any loss or claim arising out of the use, or misuse, of the suggestions made herein.

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

WHY UNPLUG?

Were pretty lucky, when you think about it. Just twenty years ago, the personal computer was a luxury. Today, its as commonplace as a toaster or a kettle, and as utilised as a car or a television. And thats not all. Smartphones, tablets, wireless connections, mobile data, MP3 players, clouds, online gaming, video-calls, streaming and office-style software are all there for us, right at our fingertips, should we ever need or want them.

The digital revolution has been, and continues to be, something quite beautiful. Never has knowledge been so accessible to so many at such little cost. Never has such a vast array of information been so easy and so rapid to attain. Never has communication been so effective and so simple. The digital revolution hasnt just been a game-changer or even a life-changer. Its a world-changer. And were living right in the thrilling midst of it.

Perhaps its because its all so new, so exciting and just so remarkably attractive that, at times, it can feel to many of us that we are drawn to the online world a little more often than we should be. Have you ever walked down the street and found yourself stepping aside while another pedestrian strides forward, oblivious to everything but the smartphone in their hands? Have you ever picked up an e-book reader and found yourself suddenly missing the weight and smell of a well-thumbed paperback? Have you ever been in conversation with someone, only to have that conversation disrupted by the inimitable beeps of an incoming text message?

If you have, and if youve also ever felt a little suspicious that were all beginning to spend just a bit too much time online, then you wont be surprised by the recent studies and surveys which reveal that our general customs and habits are pointing that way.

One report from the communications regulator Ofcom shows that adults in Britain currently spend on average more time using their technological devices each day (8 hours and 41 minutes) than they do sleeping each night (8 hours and 21 minutes). Another study has revealed that, with the rise of smartphones and tablets, we spend twice as much time online as we did just 10 years ago, and that, of this time, 28 percent will be devoted to social networking. With roughly 20 hours online each week, about 2.5 hours of that will be spent online while on the move (utilising the internet in various capacities while away from home or work), which perhaps explains why youre having to avoid all those pedestrians with eyes fixed on their phones.

If youre holding this book in your hands (or reading it on the screen of an e-book reader), then its likely that youre looking for ways to unplug. And, if you are, then this is exactly the book for you. Packed with a collection of ideas, activities and suggestions, its guaranteed to motivate you to switch off your gadgets and get more out of life to unwind, recharge and reconnect with the people, and the world, around you.

NO-PHONE-TIME CHALLENGES

Does your phone spend more time in your hand than in your pocket? Does it ping at you relentlessly? Do you find yourself checking it even when it doesnt ping, just in case its been accidentally switched to flight mode? Then you might need a little extra help to unplug. Throughout this book, look out for the No-Phone-Time Challenges scattered among the suggested ideas and activities for unplugging. These will motivate even the most committed smartphone addicts to free themselves from the lure of the touchscreen.

CHAPTER 1

EXPLORE YOUR WORLD

INTRODUCTION

Travel is a glorious thing, but not everyone can afford long plane trips or extended holidays from work. Yet you dont need to journey halfway across the world to travel. In fact, travel begins the moment you step outside your own front door. Whether you remain within the borders of your county or even within the borders of your town or village, you will likely be surprised by just how much is out there to discover for the first time. And once you do discover it youll almost certainly want to discover more

TURN RIGHT

DIFFICULTY:

This is a fun game, and all it needs is some form of transport perhaps your car, your bicycle, or even your feet. The rules are simple:

1. Start your car, get on your bike or begin walking.

2. Each time you reach a junction, you can only keep going forward or turn right.

Its deceptively simple, but and heres the thing you will eventually end up somewhere youve never been before. Once youre there, get out and have a look around. Explore. You may find theres a hidden gem of a place right around the corner.

Turn Right can be a fun game to play with your family or with a group of friends, as you take it in turns to decide at each junction. The results can be astonishing. I once played it in a car with my family, and ended up at a seal sanctuary. Ive also played it on foot with friends during a night out after we grew bored of the pub we were in Turn Right eventually led us to what is now one of my favourite bars, but one which I never would have discovered otherwise.