At a recent panel discussion, I spoke about putting your smartphones to sleep when you go to bed and as expected the audience reaction was that of disbelief.
Interestingly, there is a nonprofit group – REBOOT, based in the United States that wants people around the globe to stop using their cell phones and other devices and spend time doing just about anything else once a year, on the “National Day of Unplugging”. Organizers are asking people to unplug from technology for 24 hours on 2nd Friday in March at sundown to Saturday at sundown. The 24 hour break from technology is good for our health and our connections with loved ones and communities.
It has become the norm to be forever plugged into the internet, TV, text messaging, social media, Netflix, video games and all sorts of other electronic indulgences. The convenience of technology has led many to adopt bad habits that can be difficult to break, depending on how extreme they are and for how long you’ve held them.
Unplugging, also known as digital detox is often a struggle at first, but the benefits are worth it if you can get past the uncomfortable stage in the beginning. Besides the main benefit of being able to enjoy much more free time, here are 6 main benefits you will notice from making the decision to unplug regularly.
Increased Awareness of your Surroundings: When you unplug, what you’re really doing is banishing a major distraction. You begin to notice small details in people, things and places that you never really noticed before, most likely because your brain had previously gotten used to being overloaded with stimulation from technology.
Reduced Body Pain: Do you suffer from a “Text Neck” or a “Tech Neck”? This is the strain you put on your neck and spine from glaring down at your smartphone or computer monitor for a long period. With no screens to look at from unplugging, you’ll be able to enjoy better posture, less aches and tightness in all your muscles and zero digital strain in your eyes.
Better quality of Sleep: The human circadian rhythm depends on darkness to prepare for sleep, which can be interrupted by light-emitting devices. By unplugging completely at least an hour before bed, you should be able to fall asleep quicker and stay asleep for most of the night – you’ll be doing your body a favor.
Improved memory retention and mood: Just unplugging once a week is enough to give your brain a reboot, which can improve your memory and lift your mood. With less time spent being a slave to technological stimulation, you’ll have more time to focus on doing activities that can grow your brain cells – such as indulging in an enjoyable hobby, visiting a new place, having new experiences, or going for a relaxing walk.
Enhanced Productivity: You may think that constant access to technology – social notifications, email inbox , web browser, helps you to be more productive. Actually, it is the interruptions of digital technology that steal away your ability to get things done. Any time you are interrupted from a work-related task by something from your phone or computer, it can take as long as 45 minutes for the brain to refocus.
Technology is a wonderful thing and we can’t deny its many benefits. We use it almost every day, and it is hard to argue against the responsible use of it. However, it is increasingly obvious that we are developing an unhealthy attachment to it. We need to be reminded that technology has a power-off button and we should use it.
Unplugging comes in many forms. For some, it may mean powering down for one period of time each day. Another option is to take one extended break on a regular basis. Perhaps you can commit to powering off one Sunday a month. Setting aside time to disconnect from all devices will likely do volumes for your mental health.
Unplugging is the act of creating space between you and your electronic devices to feel relaxed and clear minded.