March 3rd is National Unplug Day! Here are 11 Ways you can Unplug and Unwind

March 3rd is national unplug day. A day to unplug from your device so you can re-connect with yourself and those around you. 

Let’s discuss ways to unplug and reconnect with yourself and your family. We all need that extra break to relax and unwind and not be constantly bombarded with content and ads. 

Unplugging is crucial; without doing so, it may be challenging to unwind and decompress from everyday stress. 

We have become so accustomed to using our devices for everything and checking social media that we are losing the art of connecting with others.

10 ways to unplug and unwind for National Unplugged Day: 

Contribution by: Jennifer Kelman, LCSW and JustAnswer Mental Health Expert.

Pick a Time Every Day to Put the Devices Away 

Use that time for family or friendship time to connect and exhale. Communicate face to face like in the old days and see just how enhancing that can be. 

Connect with Nature

Seems simple enough, but we are not doing this enough. Get out into the woods. Take a hike, literally and breathe in the wonderful smells and take in the sights of all the beauty nature has to offer. Our faces are buried so deeply in our devices that we miss the natural beauty around us each day. Leave the cell phone in the backpack and fight the urge to check the phone.

Use a Mindset Journal

Writing in a mindset journal helps you take the time to connect with yourself and set yourself up for success. Your mindset is a powerful thing. Put your device away and take some time to write out some I Am Affirmations, Desires, and Goals. Doing this each day for 10 minutes could change your life. 

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Exercise

Device usage has caused a significant drop in physical activity. A body at rest stays at rest. Get outside and find some vigorous exercise. It can feel exhilarating to unwind in this way. 

Volunteer and Give to Others

I am not talking about the once-a-year serving of a meal on Thanksgiving to have photos to post on social media, but rather make an ongoing commitment to give to others. Leave the phones behind and truly unplug as you play music for the elderly,  read books to children at the library, or do anything that takes you away from the normal routine of your life. The act of giving is a beautiful way to unwind and also bring perspective back to your life. Leave behind the social media posts about your giving back, as this is being done for others and for you to unwind and unplug and not for the outside glory.

Read a Book

A real book and not on the Kindle or an audiobook. Get lost in a great novel or love story, and let yourself dream. Find that cozy nook, snuggle up, and get lost in the beautiful story.

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Connect with Others 

Reach out to an old friend or a new one and do something fun. Commit to leaving the devices out of the time spent and truly connect. Talk, laugh, and let yourself unwind. No better way to reduce the stress of daily life and device use than to laugh.

Find a New Sport or Hobby

Pickleball is the latest rage. Get out there and see just how much fun you will have. You get the benefit of exercise and connecting with new people. That is a winning combination to unplug and unwind.

Take that Dream Vacation you have been Dreaming of

While staycations are wonderful, we have a tendency to still be on our phones. If finances allow, book that trip and do something fun and adventurous. Just make sure you are fully immersed and not posing for selfies the whole trip.

Go Camping

No need for phones out in the wilderness. Pitch the tent, listen to the sound of the water on the lake as it nestles upon the shore, make smores, and connect with your family and friends as you sit around the campfire telling stories.

Go to a Water Park

No phones are needed here as you wind your way down the latest new water slide. As an adult, we lose the ability to play. Flying down a water slide brings us back to the ease of childhood. I don’t think you can get down that slide without laughing all the way. No better way to unplug and unwind.

Be sure to take the time each day to unplug and unwind. Our society today is unlike any other time in history when we are constantly plugged in and stimulated. It’s hard to relax when we have constant distractions. Unplug and connect with your loved ones as much as possible. 

This article is inspired by the internet and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Motherhood Life Balance.

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Image credit: Depositphotos – vladteodor95