Why do you think it’s important to take breaks in our lives?
For some time now, I’ve been observing how we’re losing the habit of taking small moments without any specific activity, or how we don’t even seek out the possibility of having them anymore. We’re forcing ourselves to always be doing something, whatever it may be, and to seek the feeling of always being productive. The subject interested me, so I read a little about it.
The idea is that we need to stop every now and then and give ourselves ten minutes to be alone, to not communicate, to do nothing or to think about whatever comes to mind. Or to not think about anything and simply eliminate noise. To step away for a moment from the overstimulated lives we lead. If we are honest, how many ten-minute blocks do we lose every day on things that don’t really contribute anything to our lives?
Are you saying that being alone can be necessary?
I think so, and that being afraid of being alone can indicate problems. Being alone also has future value, as training for when unwanted loneliness may lurk. The same is true of having a hobby: it may not be necessary or missed at certain stages of life, but when the penultimate stages arrive, having a hobby that can be done alone (painting, reading) or that brings us together with others (singing in a choir, going to the mountains) will undoubtedly be a source of support.
Do you think this lack of breaks is a symptom of something specific?
I think it’s a symptom of excessive interconnection, or permanent and unnecessary interconnection, and those who understand this point out that it will lead to problems if it is not corrected. Since I started noticing this, I have observed that many people begin to feel uncomfortable when they don’t have their phone within reach or when they are not doing something.
There is something of a [false] productivity syndrome, and mobile phones have also become the remote control of our lives, the place from which everything is controlled, and without which Westerners begin to feel incomplete. We need to put it down from time to time: look at the recent power cut and what everyone did during those hours of electronic inactivity; that should give us some clue as to what is going on.
We are also teaching our children, who watch us and will imitate us. But beware, this is not just a matter for young people: in fact, I find it strange and somewhat uncomfortable to see older people with their mobile phones; I think they are developing a dependency that did not exist before (and for which they are not prepared) and which they embrace as a means of escaping loneliness.
Why do you think it is important to take digital breaks? Any suggestions?
I can’t give any advice, because I’m just an untrained observer, but I would venture to suggest that we should at least try to be aware of how and when we use our mobile phones: if it’s not going to be active use (writing or posting or looking up something we need) and we’re just going to look at what others are doing, let’s try putting it away for a while.
And when you want to use it for distraction or entertainment, set time limits. Another idea might be to go to places that encourage doing nothing. Certain types of architecture invite you to clear your mind or be silent. A garden, a temple, an empty room… there are always places nearby where it’s easier to disconnect. I’m afraid this has turned into a bit of self-help, hasn’t it?
