When was the last time you turned off your phone, computer, and TV for an entire day? And when was the last time you went 24 hours without eating? If the answer is “I don’t know” or “never,” you need to consider a day of discipline like this…
Recently, I went on a 24-hour fast – abstaining from all technology, and food.
It amazing to unplug, reflect on the past, and plan for the future.
Being disconnected from the distractions and stimulants of the world brought me clarity…
It made me feel connected to my essence and to my authentic thought process…
And with that clarity and connection, came a few big thoughts…
But before I share those, I’d like to drop a quick note about the benefit of fasting – abstaining from all or some food or drink.
The Benefits of Fasting
While we’re fasting, our bodies are in an autophagic state – which means the body is healing and cleaning our cells.
According to the American Journal of Cardiology, Autophagy caused by fasting protects our cells from the oxidative stress that is the usual cause of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
To back this up, another study coming out of the University of Utah found that out of 500 people who fasted just one day per month, 40% were less likely to suffer from clogged arteries.
And living longer is only the beginning of the many benefits that come with fasting…
Cardiologists at the Intermountain Heart Institute concluded that adding fasting to your lifestyle can cause a 2,000% increase in Growth Hormone, or GH for short.
GH is the hormone that controls how much fat our bodies burn, how much muscle we build, how we age, and much, much more.
And recently, Neil and Gabby Reece did a Truth Barrel podcast episode with an expert on fasting, Ori Hofmekler. Together, they discuss…
- How to prepare for intermittent fasting.
- The benefits of exercising on an empty stomach.
- How to stop a stress-eating binge in 60 seconds.
And no need for a peer-reviewed paper on the benefits of abstaining from technology. If you need proof of the benefits, just think about how many combined hours you and your friends spent on doing nothing on social media today.
Epiphanies from my 24-Hour Fast
1). You are powerful beyond belief.
You do what you like, when you want. You can also design your lifestyle and say “fuck the norm.”
2). To succeed, you must do two things: be really good at your one thing and let the whole world know about it.
3). A rich life isn’t based around money.
It’s based in experiences, relationships, self care, love, freedom, passion, and creation.
4). This is YOUR life, but be receptive to everyone’s thoughts, recommendations, criticism, and feedback. Remember, only you know what is best for you.
5). Every decision you make changes the course of your life.
After this 24 hour fast, I felt brand new. I felt energized. I felt connected to my essence.
And I still feel that way.
6). Consistent little victories lead to bigger victories.
When my 24-hour food and technology fast ended, I didn’t pig out. And when I re-connected to technology, the same old noise was much easier to turn off again. This small step made it much easier for me to reject stagnant temptations from stalling my productivity and clarity.
So if you’re interested, getting started is quite easy: pick a day, and unplug. I started on a Friday evening and “broke” the food and technology fast on Saturday night.
Do it, you’ll amaze yourself.
