Aspen Institute Technology reports: Tiffany Shlain in her first book, “24/6: The Power of Unplugging One Day a Week,” has made our lives infinitely easier. We can manage our lives, our jobs, our hobbies, our entertainment, and even our relationships from the palm of our hands. But is it all too much? How can we exert some control over the technology and devices that increasingly dominate our lives?
Internet pioneer, Henry Crown Fellow and Silicon Valley creative force, Tiffany Shlain, has some answers, according to Aspen Institute Technology:
“Shlain explores how turning off screens one day a week can work wonders on your brain, body, and soul. This practice, which she’s done for nearly a decade with her family, has completely changed their lives, giving them more time, productivity, connection and presence. She and her family call it ‘technology Shabbat.’
“With humor and wisdom, Shlain’s book shares her personal story, offers lessons she has learned and provides a blueprint for how others can adopt the practice. Along the way, she delves into the neuroscience, philosophy, psychology, and history of a weekly day of rest across cultures, making the case for why we urgently need to bring this ritual back in our technology-saturated lives.”
GoodReads: “In 24/6, Tiffany Shlain explores how turning off screens one day a week can work wonders on your brain, body, and soul.
“Internet pioneer and renowned filmmaker Tiffany Shlain takes us on a provocative and entertaining journey through time and technology, introducing a strategy for living in our 24/7 world: Turning off all screens for 24 hours each week. This practice, which she’s done for nearly a decade with her husband and kids (16 and 10), has completely changed their lives, giving them more time, productivity, connection, and presence. She and her family call it “Technology Shabbat.”
Jessica Carew Kraft, rated the book in October 17, 2019 as, “It was amazing.” She writes:
“Living at a slower pace, with fewer demands and more time doing enjoyable activities, is an instant salve for our chronically stressed-out times. As Lily Tomlin’s famous joke goes: ‘For fast-acting relief, try slowing down.’
“When our lives get crowded with too many tasks and activities, it’s common to start feeling overwhelmed. Our capacity to handle stress diminishes, and we’re flooded with negative emotions.
“Add in technology that allows us to be within reach of employers and acquaintances 24/7 and the toll on our mental health and relationships only increases.
“With 24/6, Shlain gives us a counter trend that’s worth paying attention to if you’ve ever had negative emotional reactions in response to feeling over-scheduled or too tethered to phone and E-mail. By taking just one planned day away per week, you can heal faster from every-day stressors and be more productive when back at work. You get quality time with loved ones, a chance to focus on self-care, and a real feeling of rest. The ancient Hebrews were on to something, and Shlain’s revision on an age-old tradition is an inspiring read with entertaining family anecdotes and up-to-date research,” Kraft wrote.