As a 41-year-old freelance writer who remembers life before mobile phones and desktop computers, I decided to give myself a real challenge: one week without modern technology. I remember the days of rotary telephones, TVs without remotes, and my very first game console, the Sinclair Spectrum. I spent hours on that cassette tape-based console! I’ve always loved technology and innovation, but, like most of us, I spend way too much time sitting at my desk or attached to my devices. So I wanted to see if I could reconnect with those simpler times. I even dug out my snazzy purple analog Swatch Watch and put away the tiny computer that is my smartwatch.
Day 1: Stepping Back in Time
On Monday morning, I woke up feeling both excited and apprehensive. No phone, no computer, limited TV, no video games. My usual routine involves checking emails and news on my phone, bleary-eyed and half asleep while waiting for the coffee to brew. Instead, I reached for the alarm clock on my nightstand. It felt oddly nostalgic.
My biggest challenge on this first day was automatically reaching for a device, unthinkingly asking Alexa to tell me the weather forecast, and generally getting out of autopilot. What struck me immediately was just how much we take our technology for granted now, and how it’s involved in so many parts of our lives.
Day 2: Finding My Rhythm
Tuesday morning, I missed my usual background noise of music or podcasts. So I dug out an old AM/FM radio and tuned into my local station, where I listened to the news and a really eclectic mix of music through the decades while I got myself and the dogs ready for the day.
At breakfast, I used to browse the internet for the latest news. Without my phone, I took the dogs for an extra quick stroll to the little shop in the village (we’re lucky to still have one, to be honest) and picked up a newspaper instead. It felt tactile, more engaging. Did you know that the average newspaper contains about 60% news content and 40% advertisements? I read the entire thing cover to cover, something I hadn’t done in years.
A while later, something happened that almost made me give in and use some tech! It was a beautiful day, and, because one of my dogs is a pretty old dude, I like to give him as many adventures and make as many memories with him and his sister as I can. So I decided to take them somewhere different for a walk and a picnic. I was planning to take them to a really quiet stretch of coast around where I grew up. But there were a couple of road closures, I hadn’t been that way in years, and I quickly got lost.
And, unlike those drivers of the 80s and 90s, I did not have a map, because I’m a dunce. I’d overlooked a critical piece of kit.
So I came close to using my phone to find my way. Instead, I eventually came across a service station and asked for directions. I think the guy behind the counter thought I was a little nuts, especially as my neurodivergence means that I struggle with auditory processing, especially under stress, so I had to ask him to repeat himself, and I wrote the directions down! Ha. The poor guy was very nice, though. And I made sure to buy a couple of small items to make up for his time. I also bought a road atlas!
We found our hidden stretch of coast, the dogs and I had a lovely picnic lunch in the car, we all thoroughly enjoyed the beach, I found some pretty bits of sea glass I can use in my crafts, and I even found a belemite fossil. And, an unexpected benefit – I gained confidence in my driving and navigating abilities.
Day 3: Rediscovering Old Hobbies
By Wednesday, I started to get used to my new routine. Without the constant distraction of notifications, I had more time. I dug out my chainmail supplies and began weaving the rings again. I hadn’t made time for that particular hobby for well over a year, but it felt good to reconnect with that creative part of myself. And I managed to finish this lovely helm’s weave necklace and amethyst tree of life pendant.
I penned a couple of articles – with actual pen and paper! I actually started drafting this piece, too. Going old school with my work was an interesting experience. I usually use pen and paper for making notes and lists, or sometimes for editing drafts, but using it for start-to-finish creation was actually very satisfying! Although, I did get some hand cramps. I guess I’m no longer used to working with a pen for hours on end, and I need to rebuild those muscles.
On the plus side, I got out my calligraphy inks and cartridge pens and had a great deal of fun making my drafts “pretty” because sometimes it’s good to indulge your inner eight-year-old.
Day 4: Embracing a Slower Pace
Look, I have to admit that, when I’m walking with the dogs, I don’t use my phone. I already make an effort to be present with them. I’m pretty sure other walkers think I’m nuts as me and my pups stroll along and I chat away to them about anything and everything. But I like to engage with them. It’s important for all of us. We need to maintain our strong bond. We are family. And while I have work and hobbies and all that other “human” stuff to do, my dogs don’t. They only have me. So it’s important that I make our time together as enriching as I can. So I already have a “no phones except for emergencies” policy for my walking.
But I also didn’t have my smart watch to track my steps, location, and distance traveled. But interestingly, I found I didn’t care. I wasn’t chasing some arbitrary step goal or number of miles. Instead, the pups and I just enjoyed our adventures. We stopped a lot for sniffs, as Oscar (my old guy) was having a slower day, and he spent some time resting in his stroller while Phoebe (my young whippet) and I (pushing Oz in his stroller) got some more distance in. But not having the burden of technology and the constant pressure to go further, do more steps, hey, maybe I should check my email, just in case, was relaxing and freeing.
Day 5: Family Connection
By Friday, I realized how much I missed face-to-face interactions. In the evening, I invited my family over for a game night. We played board games and laughed more than we had in a long time. I remembered playing these games as a kid before everyone had their own devices to retreat to. We even broke out Harry Potter Labyrinth and Game of Thrones RISK.
And ate way too many snacks.
Did you know that the game Monopoly was first published by Parker Brothers in 1935? It has since been translated into over 37 languages and sold in 103 countries.
Day 6: The Hardest Day
Saturday was the toughest. I had a lot of time on my hands, and I actually struggled to know what to do with it. Usually I’d spend Saturday morning mindlessly scrolling or chatting with my online connections. I felt a bit isolated, but I also felt more present. So, I gave myself a kick in the behind and got moving. I spent the day cleaning out my garage, (with a little help from my pups, obviously) something I had been putting off for months. It felt good to accomplish something tangible.
Then, after walkies, finishing the garage, and tidying up the house, I got to sit and do some crafts, uninterrupted. I did watch some TV while I worked, but, as I was following the “no technology apart from the things I had as a kid” rule, I could only watch the channels I had when I was growing up, and I couldn’t stream anything or watch something on-demand. But that’s okay – it was really just for background noise, anyway.
Day 7: Reflecting on the Experience
Sunday was my last day without technology. I spent it reflecting on the week. I realized how much of my time technology consumes. I missed it, but I also appreciated the break. I felt more connected to myself, my family, and the world around me.
I was dreading Monday, to be honest, as I knew there would be stacks of emails, Slack messages, and other notification I’d have to deal with. But that’s the price I pay for being able to work the way I do, doing the job I do, creating content I love, and getting to do it from home.
But I did write down (yes, with paper and fancy purple-inked cartridge pen) what I wanted to take away from this experiment. I plan to limit my screen time more, be less reliant on tech and more reliant on myself overall, and to carve out more time to disconnect and pursue the hobbies and activities that I enjoy. So, although it was tough – tougher than I was expecting, to begin with, at least – I think it was a real success.
Would I do it again? Absolutely! Would I do it for a month? I’m not sure. I could do it, I have no doubt of that, but I’m not sure I’d willingly do it for a full month. If I didn’t have to worry about deadlines, clients, and assignments, yes, I’d do it for a month. But I have bills to pay, and I do that with the use of a computer.
Challenges of Working as a Writer Without Technology
As a freelance writer, not having access to technology presented significant challenges. Research, which I usually conduct online, became a painstaking task. I had to rely on my local library for information. Did you know that the oldest public library in the U.K. is the Chetham Public Library, founded in 1653?
It reminded me of my early writing days when I spent hours poring over books and periodicals.
Meeting deadlines was another hurdle. I typically communicate with my clients through email and instant messaging, but without technology, I had to resort to phone calls (I purchased a corded/tethered landline for the experiment). I even met a couple of people I wanted to interview for pieces face-to-face. This slowed down the process considerably, but it certainly livened things up!
Benefits of a Tech-Free Week
Despite these challenges, there were unexpected benefits. Without the constant ping of notifications, I found I could focus better. My productivity increased because I had fewer distractions. I completed writing tasks more quickly and with greater concentration. Studies have shown that multitasking can reduce productivity by up to 40%. Without technology, I had no choice but to focus on one task at a time.
I also noticed an improvement in my mental well-being. I felt less stressed and more present in the moment. This week reminded me of the importance of taking breaks and disconnecting from technology occasionally.
A New Perspective
Living a week without technology was challenging but enlightening. I remembered how life used to be and appreciated the simplicity. I rediscovered old hobbies and found new ways to connect with my family and nature. The experience also highlighted the benefits of reducing distractions and focusing on one task at a time.
Katy Willis is a writer, master herbalist, master gardener, and certified canine nutritionist who has been writing since 2002. She’s finds joy in learning new and interesting things, and finds history, science, and nature endlessly fascinating.
