Unplugging from Technology.

Nothing about Gardening but useful tips when deciding to have a break from technics. Good suggestions me thinks…

A day devoted to DE plugging. Individuals disconnect from various technological devices and digital platforms. This event has grown in popularity due to the increasing dependency on technology.

The day plans to break away from screens, notifications and digital distractions and adopt mindfulness, reduce tensions, eye stress and strain. This should encourage us to connect with the world more and make more meaningful connections.

Often associated with Shabbat, the National Day of Unplugging encourages us to disconnect from use. Individuals are encouraged to refrain from work and connect with the world around them. It is an initiative to raise awareness and highlight the problems with excessive technological use. It seeks to promote a more mindful and balanced approach to our digital lives.

The technological revolution has increased its use than in previous generations and those who have grown up with digital are often addicted to it. Whilst being a gadget genius is handy, it can have some significant drawbacks – often younger people who have grown up with developments, aka digital natives find it difficult to disconnect. The technology is a fundamental part of their lives.

Reports that the effects of excessive technology can be damaging are often over-emphasised but there is evidence it can be damaging..

Reducing technology use has many benefits. Not only is the right direction for a better work / life balance it can have a mental impact on us too. By unplugging our devices we can:

• Improve our sleep.

Avoid exposure to screens, or certainly electrical devices before bedtime. The blue lights can prevent us from having quality sleep.

• Improve our relationship with ourselves.

Practice mindfulness. Become yourself and observe the present. If we are not preoccupied with notifications, we are more likely to involve ourselves in activities, experiences with others and face-to-face interaction.

• Improve close relations.

Uninterrupted time with friends can strengthen personal connections. Without screens, we can enjoy personal connections and more meaningful relationships and deeper bonds.

• Increase productivity.

Without emails, social media and actively being online, your energies will be focused on the task that you have achieving your goals.

• Becoming more creative.

Distancing ourselves from the digital world can give us a mental reset and create space for new ideas.

• Becoming more active

Being physically active can improve our mental health and unplugging gives us additional time to do this. It can reduce our stress and improve our mood.

• Mental clarity.

We can become overwhelmed with information. So by reducing our exposure, we liberate ourselves from unnecessary data. Our brains can recharge and have a break from an overload.

• Reducing stress.

Responding to emails can often be a taxing activity so a reduction in this sort of activity can lead to lower stress levels and overall calm.

Tips to unplug.

A good start is to create boundaries.  We can improve our general outlook and live more fruitful lives.

• Activities that don’t need technology. Engage in outdoor activities, arts and crafts, music, reading and games that are not electronic.
• Turn off your devices. Let the phone drain, turn off the computer and spend some time with family / friends.
• Connect with family / friends. Participate in community events.
• Review the day when it’s over and evaluate its merits. Look at the relationship you have with technology and see if you can create a better balance.

To get down with a digital detox there are easy steps to take.

1. (Boundaries). Set specific times or days when you can disconnect from electrical devices. Define what devices are allowed and those that are not.
2. Let people around you know what you have planned. Ask them to respect these boundaries.
3. Make sure you choose activities that don’t include a keyboard or screen. Engage in active sports, go for a walk, or learn an instrument.
4. Remove all electrical devices from your sleeping area.
5. Use an analogue alarm.
6. Use the time away from the devices to evaluate your dependency.

Observing a day away from devices cannot only liberate your time but your mind to. Taking a break from the screen means we can develop our inter-relationships with loved ones / close friends. Breaking free from common distractions can help us see life in the present and mindfulness and gratitude can help us be more appreciative of what we have. It can improve our focus and concentration when we avoid information overload by decreasing social media. Our brains are able to reset and we can look on from a different perspective.