There’s a National Day of Unplugging and You Totally Need It
What could you do with 24-hours of tech-free time? How could it change your life? Get inspired to unplug more by signing onto the National Day of Unplugging pledge this March 3-4, 2017.
We live in a hyper-connected world. While this certainly seemed like a good thing at first–like Netflix streaming–we all know that being connected to work, social media, the all-day news cycle, and more just isn’t all that good for us. It may not even help us be more productive, but that’s another topic.
What we need to do is learn to set boundaries and discover how to unplug and de-screen more of the time. Just like we know there’s a half gallon of ice cream in the freezer, but we don’t eat it all in one sitting, we need to learn to moderate our digital diet as well. But it can be difficult to break old habits, especially if those around us don’t moderate their behavior. But there are others who recognize the need for us modern humans to unplug, hence the creation of the National Day of Unplugging.
The National Day of Unplugging consists of a 24-hour period on the first Friday in March. The National Day of Unplugging is a project of Reboot and takes its inspiration from the Jewish tradition of Shabbat of taking one day to abstain from work and to connect with family, friends, and the community. It’s a way to rekindle connections, foster creativity, practice moderation, devote time to your community and causes, support the arts and culture, and so much more.
If you’re someone who always has your phone in your hand, or two (or more) screens open at any given time, read on for inspiration about how you can unplug on the National Day of Unplugging (and other days after that, too)!
9 Ideas for the National Day of Unplugging
1. Coloring – Adult coloring is more than a fad. Studies have shown that it can help foster creativity and act as a meditation tool. Pass the time away from your phone with a new coloring book and some colored pencils.
2. Walking in Nature – With our dependence on technology and screens, we are losing our fundamental connection with nature. Early March is a perfect time to commune with nature.
3. Clean up Your Neighborhood – From volunteering to picking up litter along the roadside to planting a community garden, unplug and improve your neighborhood.
4. Get Involved in a Cause – Take time on the National Day of Unplugging to volunteer for your favorite cause. There are plenty of causes and organizations in need of help right about now.
5. DIY – Spend the day away from your phone doing some DIY around the house or crafting up a fun, creative project.
6. Visit the Library – Leave the screen behind and go old school by visiting the library for a few good books.
7. Play a Board Game – Forget playing games on your phone, play a board game instead. Better yet, visit a locally-owned board game shop in your area first and then get together with some friends to play your new game.
8. Plan a Bonfire – It’s easy to eschew the digital world when there’s a bonfire burning. Invite friends over to make s’mores and sit around the glowing fire.
9. Visit a Local Museum – Whether your tastes run more toward art, history, natural history, or otherwise, take a quiet moment to unplug and visit a local museum or two.
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