Throughout the pandemic, technology has been a blessing in many ways ‚ allowing us to connect with loved ones, enroll children in virtual classrooms, and work from home with ease. (Zoom, we‚re talking to you.) With that said, it also means we‚re spending much more time plugged in online, and it‚s no surprise there‚s been a
global surge in social media usage.
Do you feel like you need a little break from the web?
National Day of Unplugging, recognized the first week of March, is on a mission to help you do just that ‚ encouraging folks to take a 24-hour reprieve from technology.
We already know the many
health benefits of going on a digital detox‚ ranging from stress reduction and better sleep to improved relationships and mental health. Not to mention, it allows you to be more present in all areas of your life (without your phone getting in the way).
Sound tempting? This week on the Vibrant Health blog, we‚re sharing five simple ways to honor National Day of Unplugging by taking a break from technology.
How to Unplug & Live in the Moment on National Day of Unplugging
If a complete
digital detox isn‚t for you, you may want to try unplugging for a day, and National Day of Unplugging is a perfect time to try it out! Here are five simple ways you can shut down and live in the moment this week.
- Spend Time in Nature
- Add More Joy and Play into Your Life
- Cook a Wholesome Meal
- Plan a ‚Me Day‚
- Tune Inward and Practice Mindfulness
- Spend Time in Nature
There‚s no better way to unplug than spending time in the great outdoors. Soak up the peaceful energy of Mother Nature by going for a walk or hike, playing in the snow or tending to your garden.
Walking meditation can also be a wonderful tool to connect with yourself (and nature).
Want to get your family in on the unplugging action? Consider planning a scavenger hunt in your own backyard or neighborhood! Lucky for you, the folks behind National Day of Unplugging are partnering with Little Free Libraries and The Nocturnals to plan interactive scavenger hunts across the country.
Peek here to see if there‚s one in your area!
- Add More Joy and Play into Your Life
Puzzles and board games don‚t have to be reserved for power outages! Utilize your free time to prioritize adding more joy and play in your life. Ask yourself what brings you joy, then infuse more playful energy into your day ‚ through painting, crafts or a good ol‚ fashioned game of Monopoly! Writing handwritten cards to loved ones can also be a wonderful way to fill up your time ‚ and make someone else‚s day.
- Cook a Wholesome Meal
Cooking is a wonderful way to unplug! Use your mini digital detox as an excuse to also take a hiatus from online ordering and working through your lunch break (ahem, we‚re all guilty of that one). The solution? Have some fun in the kitchen and finally make one of those recipes you‚ve had bookmarked in the old family cookbook! Throw on an apron and nourish yourself with a wholesome, home-cooked meal made with
seasonal produce like broccoli, brussels sprouts and citrus fruits or keep it simple by blending up a
nutrient-rich smoothie.
- Plan a ‚Me Day‚
When was the last time you took a day of R & R just for yourself? While you may not have the luxury to spend a full day at the spa ‚ especially during the pandemic ‚ you can still create your own experience at home.
Plan a ‚me day‚ by pampering yourself with all your favorite
self-care tools! Consider taking a candlelit bubble bath, reading your favorite book with a cup of hot tea, or giving yourself a facial. Try these
DIY beauty products to elevate your experience!
- Tune Inward & Practice Mindfulness
Last but not least, one of the simplest ways to unplug is by tuning inward and being in the moment. Spend time practicing mindfulness by quieting your mind through meditation, journaling, and breathwork. While moving through the day without technology, pay attention to all your senses. Simple everyday routines like eating a meal, brushing your teeth or sipping a cup of coffee can be a completely different experience without the distraction of a smartphone.
DISCLAIMER: This information is not intended as a substitute for advice provided by a competent health care professional. You should not use this information in diagnosing or treating a health problem. No claim or opinion in this blog is intended to be, nor should be construed to be, medical advice. If you are now taking any drugs, prescribed or not, or have a medical condition, please consult a competent physician who is aware of herb/drug interactions before taking any herbal supplements. The information presented herein has not been evaluated by the FDA or the Department of Health and is not intended to diagnose, prevent, cure, mitigate or treat any disease or illness.
