24 hours…

An entire day without any digital connection.

At first, it felt nearly impossible. In today's world, we're wired in, constantly checking emails, messages, and social media - always available, online, 24/7. So, the thought of disconnecting, even for a day, felt alien, almost scary.

I had realized my screen time was becoming out of control, and the hours spent whittling away doing nothing very productive, led me to try the unconnected.org #unconnect24 challenge.

When I first switched off my devices, a sense of unease washed over me with feelings of anxiety or 'FOMO' - Fear of Missing Out. The constant notifications, messages, emails, news updates, and social media feeds gave me a strange feeling of isolation. It's odd how we've conditioned ourselves to feel this way, reliant on constant updates and notifications.

The few days before, I realized how much I do online, from everything being delivered and constant messaging to organizing the simplest of things. I felt as if I would be transported back into the 80s, albeit without the dodgy haircuts and tracksuits.

As the hours began to pass, I noticed a shift. The anxiety started to fade, replaced with a calmness that felt foreign yet familiar. My mind, usually buzzing with a hundred thoughts, felt clearer. It was as though a constant background noise had been silenced. As a result, I found myself more creative and definitely more productive.

The day was not without its challenges, though.

First, we must remember how much we rely on technology for everyday tasks - checking the weather, going to the shops, and keeping track of time. Second, I had to revert to traditional "old school" methods that required structure and planning. It was sometimes inconvenient, but it was a refreshing change from the constant screen time.

When the 24 hours were up, I immediately checked emails, socials, etc. The surprising result was I had not really missed anything, so the end result was the digital detox had been an enlightening experience.I realized how important it is to disconnect from time to time and enjoy silence, peace, and real connections. It made me re-evaluate my relationship with technology, and I promised myself to consciously unplug more often.

So,

• Here's to disconnecting,

• Here’s to experiencing life as it is, not through a screen.

• Here's to being present, to living in the moment.

• Here's to 24 hours unplugged.

The fact that billions of people in the world cannot just wake up and access the information superhighway needs to be corrected. The internet is a fantastic gift and brings all matters of convenience for life, education, and growth, but we should use it and respect it, and for all of us who can "Just Google It," please spare a thought for those who cannot.I strongly encourage all my network to give it a go, wake up, and smell the coffee.

Thank you

Paul Black - unconnected.org ambassador