3 Ways To Unplug From Technology and The Benefits
Nowadays, it can be extremely hard to unplug from technology. It’s integrated into our everyday lives in the modern world. The demands of jobs, schoolwork, and social life all utilize technology in one way or another.
There are lots of benefits of technology - we really have come so far as a society. But, of course, there are a lot of downsides as well, which I’m sure you are well aware of. That’s why it’s important to designate times to completely unplug and work that into our routines so we can reset, recharge, and not be so dependent on our tech devices.
Here are 3 ways you can unplug.
Go outside
Plan to go do something outdoors where you don’t need to take your phone or other devices. Being outside and having something to do will distract you from the urge to go on your phone. Nature is also known to improve mindfulness - so you will be living in the present moment and not be worried about your phone as much. If you need your phone for safety/GPS reasons, at least set it so you don’t get notifications.
Set up technology-free zones or have technology free periods
Make certain rooms in your house a tech-free zone where nothing electronic can be in that room. No TVs, computers, or phones. Stock it with other activities like cards, board games, books, art and craft supplies, etc. You can also create periods of time where you go without any technology. Maybe setting a timer for an hour to read a book, clean the house, journal, or whatever else will keep you preoccupied.
Have a friends/family night without devices
Invite your friends and/or family to your house for an activity night. Have everyone silence their phones and put them in a basket or drawer when they enter the house. Keep it away and out of sight so no one is tempted. Plan a bunch of activities to keep everyone busy and engaged with each other. Board game nights or paint & wine nights are always a fun way to get everyone together!
Why should you unplug from technology regularly? Well, there are TONS of benefits. So many, it would take me ages to list. But, I’ll give you a few.
Reduced stress and anxiety
By unplugging, you aren’t constantly being pulled in different directions - whether it’s demands from work/school, social media notifications, or endless texts that don’t require immediate attention. Your stress levels will go down because you aren’t checking communication every 2 seconds. It also helps you get out of your bubble and out of your head so you can be more mindful and live in the moment.
Improved sleep
Studies have shown that screens drastically reduce the quality of sleep. Especially if you’re the type of person to fall asleep with the TV on or scroll on your phone while you lay in bed. The reason behind this is that it can suppress the melatonin surge in your brain needed to fall asleep. Reducing your screen time before bed will increase your ability to fall asleep AND stay asleep. Plus, your sleep will be extra deep.
More mindfulness and productivity
By detaching from technology, you’ll reduce your time on things like social media - which impair your mindfulness. Instead, you’ll be living more in the moment and be enjoying what is going on around you. It’s also no secret that this increases your productivity as well. By cutting out doom scrolling (I know, I’m guilty of doing it too), you’ll have so much more time and mental energy to focus on literally anything else.
Improved interpersonal relationships
Relationships and friendships have really taken a hit due to technology. Of course, social media and platforms like Zoom have allowed us to connect with people all over the world - which is amazing! But, it can inhibit interpersonal relationships because of the lack of face-to-face communication. Too much technology can actually make us forget to interact with other people in real life. Cutting down the amount of time spent using technology and using that time to nurture our relationships in real life will help you form a deeper connection with those around you.
Overall, there are SO many amazing benefits of taking time to unplug from technology. It’s not always realistic for people to unplug for a whale day or week due to work and school because they are so heavily dependent on technology. But, there are still lots of ways you can reduce the amount of time you spend using technology so you can reap those benefits.
