This Friday kicks off an awareness campaign, National Day of Unplugging, that promotes a 24 hour period to unplug, unwind, relax and do things other than using today’s technology, electronics, and social media.
Why You Should Take Part
- Powering-down removes unhealthy feelings of jealousy due to social media.
Research shows that 1 in 3 people feel worse after being on social media sites and are overall more dissatisfied with their lives. Not every interaction with social media is a negative one, but powering-down for a healthy period of time provides ample time to recalibrate oneself and refocus appreciation and gratitude for the lives we have been given, by living presently. - Unplugging combats the phenomenon of FOMO.
FOMO (the fear of missing out) has been recognized as a recently emerging psychological disorder brought on by tech advances. Social media platforms are ever-populated with everything happening all around us. Within this constant stream of notifications, our fear of missing out continues to grow. Turning off social media and finding contentment in our present space is a healthy alternative. - Life – at its best, is happening right in front of you.
Every day is different from the last. These experiences rarely repeat themselves. Daily conversations are unfiltered and authentic. But if we are too busy with our noses buried in our devices, we’re going to miss all of it.
Here are some activities that can be done on your own or with the people in your home. When planned ahead with safe-distancing in mind, you can unplug and do stuff with your co-workers, friends, or neighbors too!
Go Play – being playful has proven benefits. Use this break from technology to find the fun in life.
- Go on a scavenger hunt
- Have a board game night
- Build a fort – use boxes, furniture around the house, or blankets.
Get Creative – Jump start that crafting vibe.
- Paint a little masterpiece – try a class led by an artist where you can sip, socialize, and create. Take home kits are also available.
- Sidewalk chalk art – a great option while we are limited by COVID restrictions. Have a group in your neighborhood create a walking art exhibit using the sidewalk as your canvas
- Host an unplugging block/neighborhood party
Do Stuff – Have a list of things you’ve wanted to try? Now is the time!
- Slip and slide anytime with ice blocking – buy a block of ice, some hand towels, and find a grassy hill to slide down!
- Take a hike
- Go for a bike ride
Give Back – Is the pandemic preventing you from the in-person volunteering you enjoy? Find ways to make your time count and Unplug for a Cause. Declutter, decorate, and donate.
- Declutter your pantry – so many people are suffering from the pandemic. Find out what organizations are accepting donations and set up and neighborhood food drive.
- Set up a Wishing Tree – help someone that is not able to leave the house or who is battling an illness by decorating a Wishing Tree.
Go Places – Ditch the phone, take scenic drives or find the secret stairs in your city. Get off the grid, camp-in and camp-out.
- Adult forts – forts aren’t just for kids. Have a date night without having to leave the house.
Get Cooking – Have fun with your food! Make it a themed meal and device-free.
- Bake something yummy – a sure fire way to keep the kids busy is to get them baking in the kitchen.
- Host an unplugged dining night – if cooking isn’t your thing, order in and play quiet music for the night. Place your phones in a basket or box during the meal, so you’re not tempted to go on it.
Get R&R – Why not take this year’s global respite from technology to get some well-deserved rest and relaxation?
- Host a spa night
- Try a walking meditation
- Audio-only yoga sessions
Have a Laugh – It’s easy to avoid checking your phone when you’re busy cracking up.
- Act it out – play a game of charades
- Put on a puppet show – playing with puppets is a great opportunity for the imagination to take off!
Educate Yourself – Find out why it’s important to take a break from screens and reconnect with the world. Catch an inspirational movie or read a book.
- Watch The Social Dilemma – a Docudrama that discusses the impact of social networking on humanity.
- Making unplugging a habit – read 24/6: The Power of Unplugging One Day a Week
- Increase your connection with nature – read Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder
During COVID, our dependence on technology has increased and wreaked havoc on our bodies, minds and relationships. Try to make a plan to unplug for some amount of time between March 5-6, 2021!
~Paulina Le
Health Fitness Specialist
Sources:
- https://www.nationaldayofunplugging.com/unplug-ideas
- nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day-of-unplugging-first-friday-in-march/