I had to turn my computer over to the Apple Store yesterday, it wasn’t feeling so well. And I thus spent most of yesterday without a computer to use and I have to say IT WAS AWESOME. I didn’t worry about e-mail (because I couldn’t) and I didn’t spend my day obsessively clicking on different news sites waiting for something to happen. I wasn’t concerned with my friend’s Facebook status updates and I actually read things in books and newspapers.

Broken Computer Monitor. Photo by binarydreams (Creative Commons)

Unfortunately I’m a blogger (but it’s not so unfortunate, I really like what I do), so today I had to find a computer to use in the meantime. But my day of bliss got me to thinking about how awesome it would be to not have a computer for a few days (and not be on vacation) - there is so much one could do. Which is why I’ve created a list of the Top 10 Things You Can Do When Your Computer is Sick.

Think of it like an adult snowday…

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10. Actually talk to people in person:

That’s right, we have mouths, not just fingers. Use your time away from the computer to have actual conversations with your friends. Isn’t it better to actually see someone smile than to look at their emoticon and imagine it?

9. Clean your space:

I always use my computer as an excuse to not do things that I know would make me happier, like clean my apartment. I fully intend to do it, but then 3 hours later all I’ve managed to do is watch some obscure video I found on YouTube 6 times and live vicariously through folks facebook status updates. So clean and organize your time, freshen up your life. It will make a huge difference.

8. Watch a slow movie:

One thing the internet has done is change the pace at which we receive media and images - we now process information at ridiculously fast speeds, which is good in some ways but really bad in other ways. During your break from the internet take some time and sit with an old or new film that presents information at a slower pace and take the time to really work it and enjoy it. Exercise that other part of your brain that is patient.

7. Spend time in nature:

Duh! Get out of your house. Look at trees, look at green things. Remember why the environment is important in a hands on type of way. Who knows, you may not want to sit at your computer ever again.

6. Call a friend for information you might Google:

That’s right, before Google you had to actually ask someone what your 85 different medical symptoms might be. So whether you want to know what that burning sensation really means or perhaps what Alfred Hitchcock’s first American film was, try asking an actual human being. They may not know, but you might just enjoy the conversation that follows.

5. Read an actual newspaper:

They do exist and they’re better for your eyes. Plus it is super fun to hold the paper in your hands. Try it while drinking coffee even!

4. Find a friend’s computer and put a vacation message on your e-mail. DON’T CHECK EMAIL!:

This one might be hard but I promise you the world will not end if you don’t check your e-mail. It may seem like it. It may seem like you’re missing vital information but I promise you it will be OK. In fact you may even feel a bit saner when all is said and done. That being said, I should check my e-mail right now, it’s been 5 minutes.

3. Read a book:

Like watching a slow movie, books are an investment and in many ways are the opposite of our blog reading lifestyles. So pick up 1 or 2 and invest in a story. Maybe even go crazy and read it outside!

2. Go to yoga, stretch, dance etc..

Take advantage of not sitting at a desk to use your body the way it was meant to be used. Shake it up, stretch it out and get everything, not just you fingers, flowing. It’s good for your health and your head.

1. Write someone a letter (by hand):

Lately I’ve been attending a lot of museums that have letters of famous people. It is always amazing seeing their handwritten notes. I shudder to think abut how correspondence from today’s famous folks will be preserved. Will we hack into their email and hit print? Seems very unromantic to me. So get yourself some stationary and pick up a pen and send something to someone you care about. It will be invaluable down the road

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And speaking of writing letters, takepart to learn more about the Art in All of Us Penpal program and you can encourage creativty in children.

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