Do you need a Day of Unplugging? Think about how often you look at your phone each day. How much time do you spend on social media? How many hours do you spend playing games on your tablet?
The reality is, most of us are on some kind of device around the clock. For many, checking your phone first thing in the morning has become a habit, and spending all day in front of technology is the norm.
That’s why a “day of unplugging” is a unique and healthy concept that everyone should get behind. So much so, that the National Day of Unplugging has become an actual event and one that you may consider participating in this year.
What is the National Day of Unplugging?
This special day occurs on the first Friday in March. The “rules” are simple; you simply need to do things you enjoy all day, other than spending time on social media or looking at your electronic devices.
Of course, if you need to use a computer or your phone for work, that’s understandable. But, don’t spend any extra time on your devices. If you can, consider taking the day off so you can fully commit to the idea of unplugging.
It’s only 24 hours, but being away from your devices that long can be a challenge for some people. Abstaining from using them might help you to see how dependent you are, and how much you rely on them in your daily routine.
(If you can't do a whole day, consider setting aside a few hours in a row, like after dinner until bedtime).
I recently realized this when a series of bizarre winter storms hit Texas over the President's day weekend, and we were without internet for most of a day. Luckily we had the basic necessities of heat, water, etc. Although I certainly don't consider myself a phone-addict, I was surprised at how many times I reached for my phone, or the Roku remote to fill in the empty moments. It really made me more mindful and aware.
What Can You Do?
The beauty of this day is that it encourages you to do literally almost anything, apart from spending time on your devices. Read a newspaper. Catch up with friends. Cook an elaborate meal.
You may have hobbies or interests that you haven’t been able to explore in a long time because your free time has been dedicated to your cell phone or tablet. Play board games, puzzles, or card games. Get outside and connect with nature. Even catching up on household chores can feel gratifying. The National Day of Unplugging is the perfect time to find relaxation in other areas of your life.
What Are the Benefits of Unplugging?
Unplugging for a day isn’t just a test of your willpower. It actually has a lot of physical and mental health benefits that might encourage you to do it more than once a year.
First, and perhaps most importantly, unplugging gives you an opportunity to “reset”. You can relax, knowing there is no pressure to look at social media and compare yourself to others. You can reconnect with people in-person and make deeper connections with friends and family. Because you’re not distracted by a device, you might even spend your day appreciating the world around you, from the sights and sounds to the people in your life that might typically take a back seat when you’re “plugged in”.
Ditching your devices for a day can also help you to de-stress. You’ll have more time to do the things you want to do. Most of us don’t like to admit it, but spending time on technology tends to waste a lot of time. You can get more done in a day when you aren’t so attached to that technology.
As an added bonus? You might find that you actually get more restful sleep when you step away from technology, even for a day.
A Holiday Worth Celebrating
While a day of unplugging may not change your life completely, it can open your eyes to some things. As you start to see the benefits, you should be inspired to make “unplugging” a regular occurrence in your life instead of saving it as a once-a-year occasion.
If you know you spend too much time on your devices, or you just want to challenge yourself for a day, participate in this year’s National Day of Unplugging. With so many benefits to consider, you’ll be glad you did.
Contact Me
I know how stressful and demanding it can be to make changes in your life, but you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Some of the benefits of individual therapy include:
- Having a safe, confidential space to work through life’s struggles
- Speaking openly with a highly-trained professional
- Learning to be curious about oneself and become more mindful about your choices
- Identifying relationship patterns that are helpful, or existing patterns that are interfering with your growth and well-being.
- I offer online therapy (video conference style of therapy), which provides an increased level of comfort as you could meet with me from the privacy and comfort of your own home or other location.
You can request a specific appointment time that fits your schedule. Once confirmed, you can complete all New Patient Intake paperwork online as well.
*** The tips offered in this article are for general information and should not be considered medical or psychological advice. For more personalized recommendations appropriate to your individual situation, please contact us or obtain professional guidance.