The definition of disconnecting is “removing a plug from its socket or removing an obstacle or blockage.” The wellness definition of unplugging is removing yourself from the social world....and enjoying life all around you!
Stop for a moment and look around coffee shops, busy streets, grocery stores and even traffic lights, people consistently seem to be on their cell phones! When you really stop and take a good look you will see technology has taken over.
As a society, we spend far too much time connected and it has become a way of life for so many. You have television, iPad, computers, and cellphones...they have our attention for hours and hours each day. It is like we are almost living in the world of the 70’s cartoon, The Jetsons! It may feel exciting, convenient and make daily things just a little bit easier, but does this have a positive effect on our overall health? Not really! Spending too much time on our devices can cause physical, emotional, and social damage to a person's entire wellbeing. It can cause visual problems, headaches, anxiety, and depression. We are human beings, and we are meant to move, think, and feel...not stare at a screen. Let us look at why it is so important for our health and wellbeing to unplug...
“Our cell phones are our constant companions. As many as 71% of us check our phones within 10 minutes of waking up. And 74% of us cannot leave our cell phones at home without feeling uneasy. Nor can we imagine our little companions dying - 48% of people say they feel a sense of panic or anxiety when their cell phone battery goes below 20%.”
On average, Americans check their phones 344 times per day, (That’s once every 4 minutes!) and have an average screen time of 7 hours and 11 minutes. It is not surprising when you look at the increasing numbers of technology addictions in our world today. Internet addiction has been estimated at 6% which is extremely alarming, considering that only about 39% of the world population has internet access.
Unplugging from technology and social media is like a reboot for your brain and it is crucial for your overall health and wellbeing. It can provide you with the opportunity to do the things you may have been neglecting and allow for more self-reflection. It can help reduce stress, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness. It allows you an opportunity to focus on so many other enjoyable things like appreciation, gratitude, hobbies, and more time for life's simple pleasures. It also allows you to be present and connect with the world around you as this is something we just tend to forget these days.
If you are ready to start...here are some ways to unplug and become a healthier human: Start slow and reduce tech 10%-15% at a time. … It is like a digital diet! Set up technology-free zones in your home. Keep a book or a writing journal with you. Enjoy some cooking or outside time. Turn off phone (push) notifications for emails and social media. Track the time you spend online...then cut it down.
Unplugging is not meant to cause stress and anxiety; it is all about enjoying and appreciating the people and the world around you. Take some time off from technology and be more creative, healthier, and happier!
https://growingorganic.com/lifestyle-guide/the-benefits-of-unplugging-from-technology/
https://living.medicareful.com/the-benefits-of-unplugging