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How many electronic devices do you own? Most of us own at least one cell phone, computer/laptop, iPad, and/or Kindle. Even our kids (under 3 years old!) own the children’s version of one of these!
At some point, my smartphone became a multipurpose tool—camera, video recorder, GPS, calendar, TV remote, radio, notebook, address book, calculator—with access to my bank accounts, credit cards, fitness history, and so much more. Ironically, I rarely even use it as a phone! Some people even use their phones as a thermostat, home security monitor, baby monitor…yep, you name it!
While I’m not proud that I sometimes check my email on my phone at the same time as working on my laptop computer (maybe even while watching a TV show on the iPad!), this behavior is more common in our world than most of us like to admit.
Because of the all-too-easy access to our devices, we rarely look someone in the eye or fully listen to what they’re saying without being distracted by a screen. We can’t enjoy special moments with our loved ones without immediately documenting a selfie on social media. We don’t even remember our last full meal without an interrupting “ding” or vibration. Our kids lack basic social skills because they’re used to texting and being entertained by highly stimulating games.
If you’re looking for a way to take a break from all the noise and distraction of these devices in your life, consider challenging yourself to unplug for a day.
Friday, March 3rd is the National Day of Unplugging, a 24-hour period to refrain from electronics and intentionally unwind, reflect, and connect with our families, the outdoors, and our community.
Of course, you can choose any day you want to unplug. It would be a great idea to reserve at least one day each month (even better, one day per week)!
Our family has chosen Sundays to be our “family day.” After coming home from church, we try our best to spend our time together relaxing and enjoying each other. We avoid working at all on Sundays if we can help it (even though my husband is on call 24/7).
Even our Sunday dinners are low-key; typically, we make breakfast for dinner or have a “snacky” meal, rather than fixing a full meal. This saves time spent in the kitchen and on tasks that might pull us away from our restful focus of the day.
Here are some practical tips to help you unplug successfully:
- Plan for it. Set the date of your unplug day a few days in advance, and plan to complete your work, phone calls, tasks, etc. by that date. If you have a family, announce it in advance to your spouse and children, so you aren’t surprising them by taking away all their devices on the day of.
- Create anticipation. Leading up to your unplug day, think of fun activities you could do (perhaps something you haven’t done for a while or a special trip) to take your mind off of your normal routine and encourage your family to look forward to—rather than dread—the unplug day.
- Remove distractions. On the day you unplug, shut off your phone and move it (along with any other devices) into a closet or another room of the house you won’t be using so you and your children won’t be tempted to look at it or hear any notifications.
- Enjoy it. Savor every moment you have with your family members, neighbors, friends, or anyone else you spend your unplugged day with. Instead of viewing the day as a hassle or inconvenience, focus on the perks to being disconnected—more exercise, better communication, helping others, etc.
No matter how or when you choose to unplug, a regular practice of going tech free will definitely benefit your health and relationships.
Do you ever unplug? What are your practical tips for being successful? Let me know in the comments below!
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