5 Ways to Unplug for the Global Day of Unplugging
Why unplug? What began as an awareness campaign initiated by non-profit group Reboot about the mental health benefits of long-term smartphone use in 2009 has grown into a worldwide phenomenon known as the Global Day of Unplugging (formerly known as the National Day of Unplugging). This year, the Global Day of Unplugging will be observed March 3-4. We’ve rounded up suggestions for five ways to unplug below
1. Disconnect
The first step is to actually unplug! Commit to disengaging from all nonessential electronic devices for anywhere from a portion of your day to all of it, whatever is actually possible for you. Be realistic about what you can manage, and don’t be too hard on yourself if you can only commit to a small part of your day; it’s all part of building healthier habits around our attachment to devices, and starting somewhere is still a start.
2. Move Your Body
Take a fitness class, go for a bike ride, or take a long walk. Anything that gets you up and moving, out of your seat and away from screens, will be beneficial for your mental and physical health. Bonus points if it gets you out in nature! For those with physical limitations, try checking out a new shop, cafe, or museum–anything that’s accessible and gets you out of your usual environment for a new experience.
3. Clean & Declutter
For some, disconnecting from devices can cause restlessness energy. Not only does a deep clean keep your hands busy, but it can also refresh the energy in your space. You can start with a small corner, or dive into a deep clean of your entire home. If your home is already in tip-top shape, consider areas of clutter. Is your t-shirt collection getting out of control? Is your pantry overflowing with canned goods and condiments? This is a great opportunity to tackle clutter that you’ve been turning a blind eye towards, and donate to those in need with appropriate items. March heralds the arrival of spring, so this is a perfect chance to get started on spring cleaning.
4. Get Creative
Another way to keep your hands busy is by channeling your energy into a creative activity like drawing, journaling, or playing an instrument. Choose a medium that’s either comfortable for you, or inspires you to try something new. The goal here is to release energy, not to be perfect, so focus on the process instead of the outcome. Commit to 15 minutes to start, and you might just find that you want to keep going long after the timer runs out.
5. Give Back
In addition to donating extra goods from your home, you can find ways to give back with your time. Look for volunteer opportunities through local nonprofit events and organizations. Your hands will be too busy helping out to check your phone, and you might be surprised how much fun you have connecting to others in your community. Choosing a cause that is special to you will make the experience even more rewarding.
Visit unplugcollaborative.org to search for local GDU events and additional ways to unplug.