The Weekend Reflection: Insights from My Dopamine Detox Journey
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Weekend Observations
As I embark on the third week of my dopamine detox, I've come to realize that weekends carry a unique significance. They rush in and out, often leaving me reflecting on how I manage my time and resources. This past weekend was particularly enlightening, filled with activities I cherish while also balancing productivity.
I enjoyed grocery shopping, took a refreshing Saturday morning run, and indulged in some knitting while listening to an audiobook. I also spent quality time with my kids, helping my son organize his Star Wars figures. Overall, it was a fulfilling weekend.
However, I must admit two things.
Firstly, I didn’t diligently track my social media engagements this weekend. Secondly, my Friday night was a complete setback; my phone was practically glued to my hand.
Friday Night: A Familiar Trap
It's noteworthy that this blog is named "52 Fridays," a title I adopted at the start of my alcohol-free year back in January 2020. Fridays were traditionally my party nights, marked by beer and pizza. Now, I’m navigating what it means to enjoy Fridays without my old habits.
Instead of indulging in alcohol, I now prefer cozy evenings in my pajamas, savoring a cup of tea without any obligations. Ideally, my Friday nights would be spent in a state of flow—perhaps knitting or writing—free from the lure of my phone. Unfortunately, the past few Fridays have not unfolded as I envisioned, often filled with social obligations and chores.
This past Friday was particularly challenging. After hours of mindlessly cycling through my social media apps, I made a regrettable choice: I took my phone to bed.
A Morning Dilemma
Taking my phone to bed is a habit I had successfully broken months ago, and I had noticed significant improvements in my sleep and morning routine. Yet, with my husband away, I felt compelled to keep my phone close by for emergency reasons—though thankfully, no emergencies occurred.
The next morning, I found myself wrestling with the temptation to stay in bed. The allure of warmth and comfort was strong, especially with rain looming outside. I pondered whether I deserved a leisurely morning after an unproductive night. Ultimately, I asked myself how I would feel if I skipped my writing and running routine.
The answer was clear: I would be left feeling guilty and unmotivated. So, I set my phone aside and got out of bed. After writing and completing my run, I felt invigorated—a reminder of the benefits of sticking to my goals.
Thank you to everyone following my journey, especially those who are also re-evaluating their dopamine habits.
For further inspiration, check out the humorous and insightful Colleen Kachmann, who recently took a brave step by going for a walk without her phone. Her story is sure to motivate and amuse.
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