I don’t have an office. Or even a desk. I work at my laptop, on a TV tray, while curled up on the left side of my couch. It’s not ideal.
Also not ideal? The left side of my couch kind of sags. Because I sit there too often.
So for the last several months I’ve been trying to take more breaks, to leave the computer turned off more often. I realized a while back that, because I work from home and because I work in the never-takes-a-break world of social media, it’s not uncommon for me to spend hours on the couch, staring at one screen or another.
And that’s not good.
So I tell myself to better manage my time. I make schedules. I make promises. But it’s hard. It’s hard to unplug, to resist the siren call of the screen.
Lucky for me, my laptop is on its last legs!
No, really – this is partly good news! Because when my computer refuses to work – and it does. It just REFUSES to do its ONE JOB. – I have no other choice but to turn it off and walk away. Today was one of those days. And after fighting to get an internet connection for several days in a row, I’d had enough. I unplugged for most of the day.
And when I sat down to write this week’s Works for Me Wednesday post this evening? The one I’d planned about making stuffed peppers and eating fewer carbs? The one that basically REQUIRES me to lean on Pinterest? Heavily? Well, Pinterest decided that even if my laptop was clocked in, it was not on board. Won’t open. Not in Firefox; not in Chrome.
Pinterest has left the building…so to speak.
Edited to add: As soon as I hit publish, I tried Pinterest ONE MORE TIME – and wouldn’t you know? It works now. What?! Oh well. We’ll talk stuffed peppers next week, right?
I’ve read lots of articles about taking a technology break, from wise women who take the time to re-order their priorities and peel themselves away from the online world to spend more time in their real worlds. Those ladies are SMART. And I try to do that. I’m getting better, a little better.
But this time? This time, I believe technology is taking a break from ME! Maybe my laptop and Pinterest and my internet service and my phone (have I mentioned that it doesn’t work that well either? Because it does NOT.) are in on this together, going on strike to force me to take a break.
So, I’m signing off for today (and maybe even tomorrow!). Consider me in timeout. Even when it’s not my choice, taking a technology break works for me.
Have you ever taken a technology timeout?
It’s time for Works for Me Wednesday. I’m looking forward to your tips, tricks, ideas and inspiration! If this is your first time linking up with WFMW here, PLEASE read the guidelines I shared in this post. Highlights include linking your specific post, not the front page of your blog, and making sure to include a link back to this site in your WFMW. Thank you!!
I am right there with you on the couch…I do the exact same thing and it’s definitely not ideal (but so comfy!). Sometimes it’s nice to take a quick break, even though I’m never happy when my computer forces me to do so! We’ll all eagerly await your stuffed peppers recipe until next week! :) Thanks again for hosting!
Oh shoot, I totally forgot about the stuffed peppers! I have got to get my editorial calendar cleaned up for August, haha! :) Maybe next week… ;)
I’ve had “forced on me breaks” lately too, Mary. My old Mac is on its last leg and my new (used) laptop was a “lemon” when I bought it. So I was really struggling for several months. But I took my new (used) Mac to the Apple store and they fixed almost everything there is to fix on a laptop, charged me one fee ($310–which was more than I really wanted to pay on top of the cost of buying the used laptop!), but I feel as if I have a brand new laptop now! I didn’t expect them to replace so many parts on my laptop and only charge me the one flat fee. It was a blessing in disguise! But I feel for you and think that taking a break might just be what the doctor ordered. You’ll be refueled and brimming with new ideas, I just know it!
Ohhhh, this has me tempted to look at used Macbooks again. I’ve always been a PC person, mainly because I can never afford a Mac. But replacing a PC every couple weeks is getting REAL old! Anyway, YES, the break has been good even if I’m frustrated at its cause! :)
Enjoy your break! Thanks for hosting the link up!
A break is a good idea! When you get back on the computer, see if you can set up a workstation that is more ergonomically helpful–it could prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, back or neck problems, digestive problems, cramps, all kinds of things. I have a desk job in an office, and I sit on an exercise ball at my desk most of the day. It’s great for my abs and thigh muscles, and I no longer have a stiff lower back at the end of the day.
That’s a great reminder, Becca. I have an exercise ball and keep thinking I should use it when I work!!
There is time for everything. And sometimes we just need to disconnect ourselves for a time from technology. Thanks for encouraging me today to focus more on other things that also are more important and having a break.
Blessings,
Tayrina
Thank you for understanding, Tayrina! Disconnecting has been a good thing!
I work from home as a medical biller for my for daughter who is a nurse practitioner. I usually work around 43 hours a week (at least clocked in) there are a lot of freebies on the phone etc. I catch myself not getting up and moving away from the computer for hours. And, I know the feeling of fighting for internet connections. I have acutally gotten up in the middle of the night, unable to sleep, and worked a little. Ok, yes I guess I am not the only one who is glued to my work. Thanks for letting me know that I am normal. I am working on taking more breaks and make myself go out on the porch for just a minute or go to the kitchen and force a glass of water while I am up. Maybe I will get better, but no guarantees.
Yes, working from home can really be challenging in the get-off-your-seat department! I try to do things like drink lots of water so I’m forced to get up for bathroom breaks and start laundry so I’m forced to get up and change it. Sometimes it helps. :)
Thanks so much forhosting!
You’ve a lovely blog……. my first time here and linking up!
I hope your break is enjoyable…I look fwd to seeing your psots again soon.
Thanks, Chris! Welcome to Works for Me Wednesday! :)
I loved my technology break! I took one the entire two weeks of Christmas Vacation a few years ago, it was beyond fabulous. I turned my computer off for two whole weeks and only checked my email, (my main source of scheduling communication with friends and family) once during that entire time. It changed how I use my computer and was wonderful.
and
This past year we packed and put away ALL of the gaming devices in our home for the entire week of Spring Break. We planned it and told the kids it wasn’t a punishment just something we were going to do and they (ages 13, 8, 5) didn’t pester or whine about it, just took it in as a healthy break.
I love the idea of the whole family taking a break together. I might have to try that here!