I Don’t Use Technology on Saturdays
Disconnecting can be life-changing
Picture this: Friends and family sit around a table playing a board game and laughing. Some are reading in the living room while others are taking a nap. The television is off, and the kitchen appliances are left unused; delicious dishes have been prepared for this very occasion beforehand. No one will run out the door with their car keys or refresh their email for incoming messages.
It is the Sabbath (Shabbat in Hebrew), the Jewish day of rest. And since I was about ten years old, this is what our home has been like every Saturday afternoon. We refrain from using any technology for a 25 hour period each week that begins Friday at sunset and ends the following evening at nightfall. The restrictions include using electricity (we have timers for lights), driving cars, cooking food, and using electronic devices.
The Origins of The Sabbath
The concept of Shabbat gets introduced in the first book of the Bible, Genesis. It describes G-d creating the world in six days and resting on the seventh (Genesis 2:1–3). Sabbath observance receives further mention in Exodus that includes the delivery of the Ten Commandments. The fourth commandment states that Jews must “Remember the Sabbath day, and keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8). Shabbat serves as a way to fill our mundane lives with G-d’s presence.
Jews that observe the Sabbath refrain from doing melachah, roughly translated as “creative work” in English (unless there is an urgent, life-threatening matter to take care of). We spend the Sabbath with family and disengage from our weekly errands and to-do lists. We cast away the belief that work is our identity and explore the deeper reason for our existence.
Our Need to Disconnect
While Sabbath observance is a mandatory duty in religious communities, its meaning and benefits extend beyond religion. The reason for our existence isn’t to merely work or digitally connect with thousands of people every minute of every day. With hustle culture, we have come to view workaholism and never sleeping as a badge of honor. If you have a day job, you need a side hustle. If you have a hobby, try to monetize it on your days off work. In reality, not taking the time to disconnect and rest will kill us- emotionally, spiritually, or possibly even physically. A great comparison is growing crops. Farms can try planting new crops each year, but without giving the land a break, the soil will face mineral depletion. We need to take the time to disconnect, or we will face burnout.
The Sabbath Effect
Similar to the majority of people today, I am reliant and arguably addicted to technology. I repeatedly check my email, reply to text messages, and refresh my Instagram feed. For some reason, I feel the need to stay up to date and be in the know. My phone rarely leaves my side.
During the Sabbath, my phone remains in a desk drawer, turned off for 25 hours. This period helps remind me of what is truly important in life. That text message can go unanswered for some hours. There is no need to watch all the Instagram Stories. The Sabbath gives me time to reflect and think about the way I go about my life.
Without everyday distractions and self-soothing devices, my head is clear; I feel a sense of peace. I call this the Sabbath effect. It is the joy of leaving your weekly work, being present, and not responding to anything besides those physically around you.
Implementing Tech-Free Time
Regardless of your religion or beliefs, everyone can benefit from implementing tech-free time and experience the Sabbath effect. Turning off your devices for a few hours may make you feel uncomfortable and off the grid at first. Over time, however, creating your own Sabbath (regardless of the length of time) can help you feel present and free.
I challenge you to disconnect on an uneventful Saturday or Sunday afternoon for a couple of hours. Take a walk, spend time with a family member, or read a good book. Give it a couple of tries and see if you experience any benefits.
I promise you will not be missing out on much.
