24/6: The Power of Unplugging One Day a Week by Tiffany Shlain

Summary

In '24/6: The Power of Unplugging One Day a Week,' Tiffany Shlain advocates for the transformative practice of taking a weekly 'Technology Shabbat.' She shares her personal journey of unplugging from all screens for 24 hours each week, highlighting both the challenges and rewards. Through stories, research, and practical suggestions, Shlain demonstrates how stepping away from digital devices can improve creativity, relationships, and well-being.

Life-Changing Lessons

1. Regular digital breaks can significantly improve mental clarity, emotional health, and creativity.

2. Unplugging one day a week fosters deeper connections with family and friends, enhancing relationships and communication.

3. Setting intentional boundaries with technology empowers you to reclaim time and attention, leading to a more mindful and fulfilling life.

Publishing year and rating

The book was published in: 2019

AI Rating (from 0 to 100): 88

Practical Examples

1. Implementing a Weekly Technology Shabbat

   Shlain describes how her family chooses a 24-hour period each week—Friday night to Saturday night—to completely disconnect from screens. During this time, they focus on in-person interactions, reading, and hobbies, setting the entire week into a healthier rhythm.

2. Planning Offline Activities

   The book suggests intentionally preparing offline activities in advance, such as board games, nature walks, or communal meals, to ease the transition into screen-free time and ensure it is fulfilling and enjoyable.

3. Creating Tech-Free Zones

   Shlain recommends establishing parts of the home as tech-free, such as the dining room or bedrooms, to strengthen the habit of being present and cultivating deeper connections during both Technology Shabbat and the rest of the week.

4. Establishing Family Rituals

   The author describes establishing simple yet meaningful rituals, like lighting candles on Friday evening, as a way to signal the beginning of unplugged time and to anchor the transition into a more mindful state.

5. Reflecting and Journaling

   During unplugged hours, Shlain advocates for journaling and self-reflection as a way to process thoughts without digital distractions, helping to identify new creative ideas and deepen self-awareness.

6. Sharing Meals Together

   The book places emphasis on the power of eating meals together without any screens present, strengthening family bonds and encouraging meaningful conversations.

7. Community Connection

   Shlain suggests using the unplugged day to reconnect with neighbors or the broader community, either through shared meals, group activities, or service, to enhance a sense of belonging.

8. Embracing Boredom

   The author discusses the value of allowing oneself to experience boredom during tech-free times. Instead of turning to screens for quick entertainment, boredom can spark creativity and problem-solving.

9. Reading Books Offline

   She encourages returning to reading physical books, noting the deeper engagement and relaxation it provides compared to digital reading, which is often accompanied by notifications and distractions.

10. Gradual Implementation

    For those unable to commit to a full 24 hours immediately, Shlain advises starting with a few tech-free hours and gradually expanding, making the shift sustainable and less daunting.