RE: Do you ever unplug from the matrix?

Hi Danny.

Thanks for framing and phrasing this question in as wide a context as possible. It's really important for people to see the personal impact of governmental decisions which appear to be saving them money and being more reasonable on the one hand, but that have huge negative downside on another.

Taking that 25 hour break each week is so hugely liberating. My wife Rachel Creeger who is a stand-up comedian and drags herself around the London Comedy circuit most nights each week, is convinced that it is essential to her mental health.

In truth, other than that 25 hour period, it is only sleep which takes us offline, clearly not a healthy state of affairs. However, I remeber as a child being amazed at people who appeared to be completely addicted chain-smokers being able to go the 25 hours of the sabbath without compaining about how they were "gasping for a fag". They might have been thinking it, or not, but it was clear that they were able to enter a different mental space on a regular basis.

However, the key is to have other things to focus on, like actually talking to your family and friends, taking part in group activities like board games and discussions, walks and uninterrupted periods of reading. All of these are activities which are often sidelined for the online existence or interrupted by it.

I would strongly advise anyone to try this 25 hour period even once.