How to Keep the Balance between the Digital and Analog Life

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As I told you before I changed my computers, and I have been using the new computer in the last few weeks.

It is very light and I can carry it around the house easily. The one I had before was a laptop, too and I could carry it around but this one is much lighter. I hardly take the computer outside so it doesn’t have to be so mobile, but it is nice to take it to the living room and other rooms from time to time.

It is faster, too.

It is the latest model with Windows 11 and Ryzen 7. I had always bought an older model when the price went down, but this time I decided to get the new model.

Well, I use a computer a lot, writing blog posts and making Youtube videos, so it is worth it. Since I don’t use a smartphone or tablet, a PC is the only gadget I have. In many ways, it is my companion.

Although I expressed a rather negative view of technology in my book Ikigai Bio-Hacking, I embrace technology, and using a PC has become my Ikigai now.

The balance is the key. The problem isn’t in technology, the problem is when we are controlled by it. As long as you can control it, it becomes a powerful tool.

How do you keep the balance?

One thing you can do is digital fasting. Don’t use computers for 2 hours after waking up, and 2 hours before going to bed. If you have a morning routine such as walking or meditation, you don’t use computers in the morning anyway. If you have an evening routine such as having a bath, you don’t need to use computers, either.

Some people have to use computers during these periods, then find other time to digital fast such as on weekends.

Living in the countryside is another way to balance your life. Spending a lot of time in nature gives an enormous break from your digital lifestyle. Going walks in the forest, gardening, or Satoyama cycling. Star gazing at night is also good.

I recommend a country living if you want to live long. The centenarians in the blue zones all lead a country lifestyle.

I once wrote a blog post on my other blog, that living in the countryside while having a balanced lifestyle with IT was a new direction in civilization.

Why Don’t We Live In A Satoyama City Rather Than Living In A Smart City?

From the longevity point of view, it is true, too.

Even if you live in a city, make a conscious effort to stay away from technology and engage yourself in analog activities from time to time. Go for walks, cycle, or chat face to face with your family members and friends. Go to a cafe without your smartphone, and read a book instead. Visit museums, go to live concerts, and see plays. Not using a smartphone is convenient. Whenever you go out, you are disconnected.

Yes, switching to a PC from a smartphone is another way. You can keep the convenience of an IT culture, yet, you have more options not to use it when you don’t want to use it. That is what I call real convenience.

 

 

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