How a Day of Unplugging Can Reconnect You!
The great myth of our times is that technology is communication. - Libby Larsen
While most things in moderate doses can be good for you, it can be hard to portion out aspects of things like technology in a healthy manner. With work, school, and recreation now being done on or through screens, it seems there is not much wiggle room to avoid our devices.
On this Friday, we get to celebrate the National Day of Unplugging, and on this day we are encouraged to take a full 24 hours away from technology and screens — either for today or during some point this weekend. While it may sound a bit daunting at first to go without any screens, we highly encourage you to consider taking on this challenge!
Need some convincing that being screen-free for 24 hours is really worth the effort?
Most tech devices and apps are made to engage the brain in a way that promotes addiction of use. If you find it hard to step away from checking your phone, a social media app, or a screen of any kind for more than a few minutes, this may be a signal that an addiction is forming. Taking a full 24 hours away from all digital connections can provide some space to reflect on your use of technology and if that use is impacting you positively. Remember, technology should be working for you, not the other way around.
Eyestrain and pain in the head, neck, or shoulders can often be attributed to handheld devices or from long periods of poor posture that often occur during our daily engagement with screens. Taking a break from usual screen-led activities and positions can help to determine where improvements of ergonomics can be made and may provide some physical relief of persistent upper body pains or aches.
Although technology is often used to "bring people together", if it becomes our only form of social interaction, it can lead to feelings of isolation and depression. Social media, video chats, and smartphones should never replace all face-to-face interactions if possible. By taking a day to set aside all screen time, there becomes a fresh space of room and time to reconnect with your community around you. Such interactions can greatly help to replenish you, both socially and emotionally!
Using technology close to bedtime has been proven to cause issues with sleep. Blue light, such as the light from cell phones, iPads, tv screens, and computers, stimulates the brain and reduces the release of melatonin, a hormone that your body creates to help with your sleep/wake cycle. Engaging in an evening free of screens may help you identify a better (screen-free!) pre-bed routine and improve your night of sleep.
The increase of technology in all aspects of our daily existence has also brought about an increase in a sedentary lifestyle. Reduction in physical movement often leads to an increased risk of many conditions and diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, colon cancer, and obesity. Consider using the National Day of Unplugging as a challenge to move your body more — this 24-hour period can give you the opportunity to rediscover the wonders of movement and how good it can be for your body, mind, and spirit! (Bonus points if you get outside to do your movement!)
Ready to try out 24 hours of being screen-free but aren’t sure of what do to do to get through the day?
Check out this list for 100+ ideas to fill up your time, try something new, or rediscover something you once liked to do!
Want to learn more about National Day of Unplugging? Visit the website, here.