Our lives have become so connected to the digital world, which is an incredible thing most days... but it can also feel like A LOT.
From the moment we wake up to our phone alarms, we're checking online for the news and daily tasks in our calendars. At the office, we're typing at a computer all day, then zoning out to funny videos on our breaks, then scrolling Instagram or listening to music on our commute back home. Once in the door, Alexa's playing some jazzy cooking tunes or looking up healthy recipes for us, then we chill with Netflix in the evenings once the kids are in bed, binge-watching the latest show -- while we aimlessly scroll social media and text our friends simultaneously. A nice sleep meditation via our favourite mindfulness app then rounds out the day as we set our alarm to do it all again. Sound familiar?
Technology has made our lives so much more streamlined and convenient, yet also overstimulated, as we're always connected. That's why there are immense benefits to unplugging regularly.
Technology has touched every part of our lives, whether it be in the form of a television, computer or cell phone. We can literally carry all three of those things in our pockets or purses at a time.
This is where regular “unplugging” comes in.
Unplugging ~ To unplug from technology and enjoy real-life interactions with live people such as your family and friends.
Why should you unplug?
Did you know that there are actual-factual benefits for your brain when you power down your phone & forget about your inbox?
Studies show that people engage in deeper, more meaningful conversations in the absence of their smartphones. This is because we work more efficiently when we are focused on one task at a time.
Benefits of Unplugging:
1. Reduce Stress – Being “on” 24/7 isn’t healthy for your mind, body or soul.
2. Discover Time – It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you’re not glued to your phone or computer.
3. Physical Health – One word: Posture.
4. Mental Health – Social media can allow feelings of loneliness, depression, envy, jealousy and dissatisfaction to grow and fester.
5. Being Present – Put the phone down and live in the moment. Embrace those precious moments and capture photos with your mind.
Here are a few tips to get the break from technology that you need.
1. Start by being realistic. Obviously, you won’t be able to totally disconnect every evening. But take a deeper look at where you can realistically unplug for an extended period. Maybe it’s while you’re watching a show with your spouse, making dinner or giving your children a bath.
2. Have you ever tried the “Do not Disturb” feature on your phone? Turn this feature on before bed so that you can get uninterrupted sleep, without unnecessary updates.
3. How do you start your day? Instead of turning over & checking your phone, get up and start your day in another way that focuses on YOU. Make breakfast, enjoy a morning run OR simply open the windows for some fresh morning air.
4. Make a schedule. Set time limits. Maybe video games are allowed 2-3 times a week. Perhaps TV is capped at one hour a day. Maybe no social media after 8pm?
Technology is everywhere these days, and we know how hard it is to avoid it. But, that doesn’t mean it has to dominate your life.
It’s time to reclaim our own life and control how much access we give to the digital world.
