Chapter 1: Daily Life and Routines

For me, the formula is straightforward. Alongside cherishing quality moments with my family and indulging in programming—my passion that also serves as my profession—I maintain a checklist of daily and weekly tasks that are vital to me. Here’s a glimpse into my routine:

• Each morning starts with reading the news, typically from a preferred online source, while occasionally challenging myself to explore beyond my usual information bubble.
• I dedicate a minimum of 10 to 15 minutes daily to reading e-books, whether they are technological or for leisure. I usually read on my iPad or smartphone, and I'm grateful that the Apple Books app on macOS syncs my reading goals.
• Language practice is also important to me. I’m currently improving my English (which isn’t my first language), as well as German, Hungarian, and for fun, a bit of Chinese. Using Duolingo, I’ve structured my learning: on Mondays and Wednesdays I focus on one language, while Tuesdays and Thursdays I switch to another, blending in the remaining languages over the weekend. It seems I may soon become a polyglot!
• I prioritize morning walks of about 30 to 35 minutes (approximately 3 to 3.5 kilometers) while listening to podcasts—mostly tech-oriented, but sometimes for leisure too. Additionally, I climb about 25 floors twice a week and engage in mixed training on another day to supplement my endurance exercises.
• In the evenings, I read printed books: leisurely on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and tech-focused on other weekdays, with Sundays reserved for self-improvement literature. However, I’m flexible; if I don’t have a specific book for the day, I simply choose another genre.
• Every Saturday, I aim to watch a university course session (there are numerous free tech videos available, like those from MIT) or read a chapter from a book related to a different programming language or technology (such as a gentle introduction to Rust).
• Sundays are dedicated to a unique activity where I use an app to randomly pick and read a page from my 16-volume Britannica encyclopedia or explore random entries on WolframAlpha. You’d be amazed at how much you can learn this way—did you know camels can close their nostrils during sandstorms? Or that the name “David” appears more frequently than “Jesus” in the Bible?

While some may view these reminders as tedious, I’ve found that structuring my life around these routines has been beneficial. In the past, I rarely engaged in such activities, and I often felt stagnant or regressing.

Despite not having a strict schedule, I also make time to:

• Read and write articles on Medium, draw on my iPad for relaxation, or doodle in my notebook.
• Enjoy listening to music (I have a soft spot for Croatian music), whether during walks or as an independent activity.
• Play casual arcade games or watch vlogs and other YouTube content (with some self-imposed time restrictions).
• Spend quality time with my family watching movies or TV shows (usually just one or two episodes at a time).

Oh, and I can’t forget about coffee! One cup in the morning, another in the afternoon, plus the occasional glass of wine with friends. Cheers!

Lastly, I’ve decided to try something new this year—something said to be beneficial for one’s health. I invite you to join me on this journey! Inspired by Diana Graber’s book, I plan to disconnect from all electronic devices for 24 hours on the last Saturday of each month. The rules are simple:

• Avoid all computers, phones, tablets, TVs, smart assistants, etc.
• Set Do Not Disturb mode, allowing only calls from VIP contacts or emergency services.
• Use a watch solely for checking the time and monitoring fitness activities.
• Capture nature photos without checking or editing them afterward.
• Limit music to background sounds during other activities at home or while driving.
• Keep a list of alternatives for when boredom strikes, such as engaging in family activities, reading printed books or magazines, sketching, or playing board games.

What about you, everyone? What activities do you find yourself repeating?

Update: Six months in (and for some activities like my daily walks, even longer), I’ve managed to eliminate the reminders. The key is to set temporary prompts to cultivate desired habits, and once they become second nature, you can liberate yourself from those constraints!

Chapter 2: Digital Detoxing and Its Benefits

Disconnecting from technology can be refreshing and beneficial.

The first video, “Eat, Sleep, Rave, Repeat” by Fatboy Slim & Riva Starr featuring Beardyman, captures the essence of living in the moment and enjoying life.

The second video, the Calvin Harris Remix of “Eat Sleep Rave Repeat,” adds a fresh twist to the original, highlighting the importance of balance and enjoyment in our lives.