The CTO of Twitpic, Steve Corona, went without social media for 30 days and concluded that it was the most successful month of his life.

Corona’s goal? To create more value in his life, to quit hoarding information, and to fully appreciate his friends.

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He started the month full of withdrawal symptoms, missing those wonderful and addictive social connections.  But he also noticed immediate benefits:

“With a mind free to wander and explore, I started to create things, to make moves, rather than suck down a never ending stream of information.”

  • He wrote more. (Code: By eliminating something, he allowed time for reflection.)
  • That led to a book. (Code: More creative energy.)
  • He meditated. (Edit: Prayer is better.)
  • He built stronger friendships. (Code: I think that’s because he was fully present with his friends…not checking his iPhone every few minutes.)
  • He ran. (Code: Old, forgotten, beloved activities bubbled to the forefront.)

And now? Corona is back on social media but not the way he used to be. He says he’s on an “information diet.” The Amish would call it: restrictive technology.

So here’s where I’m going with this—for the last few months, I’ve been working to unplug on Sundays. To honor the Cyber Sabbath. A full day each week to unplug the computer and fully focus on the faces before me. No e-mail. No writing assignments. Not even one Google. Just rest from the cyber world in the way God took a day to rest after creating our world.

Strangely enough, a weekly respite can provide renewed perspective, regeneration of energy, and time to reinvest in the lives of those most precious to you.

And, unlike your children, it’s a sure bet your computer will be there when you get back.

What about you? Would you be willing to join me in honoring a Cyber Sabbath? If so, let me know. And be mindful of benefits—let me know those, too!

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work…” (Exodus 20:8, 10, niv).

Click here if you want to read Steve Corona’s full story of his 30 days without social media.

LIKE this post? Click to tweet: 30 day media diet! @suzannewoodsfisher shares how to gain perspective, energy, and reinvest in people.

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