Making Unplugging Easier + Why You Should Do It

28.4.16


We might just possibly live in the greatest time on Earth: The Age of Technology. We have easy access to laptops, smart phones, and tablets which give us knowledge and power with the world at our fingertips.

Twenty years back many people would sit at their dining room table eating meals together and discussing the weather, what they had done that day, etc. But now many of us eat dinners staring at a screen, work staring at a screen, and spend our free time staring at a screen. We connect less with people and more with electronics.

You know when it's time to take a break from that colorful, mesmerizing screen and hit the reset button; you can feel when your life is being consumed by electronic devices and things are out of balance. If you don't feel it, but friends and family are telling you that you should unplug - take their advice! But when you shut off all of your devices for the first time in forever, unplugging may prove to be a lot harder than you assumed it would be.

Ways to make unplugging easier:


+ Start small.
The easiest way to accomplish something big is to do it little by little, changing one habit at a time. Don't suddenly ban yourself from every electronic device; allow yourself some limited screen time and slowly wean yourself off of social media, television, and websites. 

+ Turn off your notifications.
Everyone finds themselves constantly checking phones and social media because of all the notifications that sneakly distract you from what you really should be doing. When you stop waiting for your phone to buzz with the newest person who liked your Instagram post, you will find it much easier to focus on other things.

+ Surround yourself with people.
I find that when I am having a conversation with someone, I enjoy myself much more than I do when I'm on my laptop wasting time. 

Unplugging has many benefits, even if you keep up with it for only a little while.

The power of unplugging:


+ Get physical.
Lately, I have been feeling inspired to go on long walks around our neighborhood and to nearby trails. Bluebells have bloomed, making the woods seem like a silent blue and green wonderland when you enter it. It's so inspiring to simply take some time off from the busy world and relax.

+ De-stress.
Connecting with nature is just one of the ways unplugging helps you de-stress. Laying down to read that book I've been wanting to read for ages, trying out new recipes in the kitchen, and getting rid of my writer's block are all results (from my own personal experience) of unplugging.

+ Create.
As I just mentioned, I had writer's block for several months before I unplugged for a little while. Being online can put a damper on creativity and potential projects. Taking time away from my screen has returned a steady flow of inspiration and I once again feel motivated create things that are truly my own.

Will you try unplugging and experience it's benefits? Let me know!

19 comments:

  1. Excellent post! Luckily, I'm not addicted to my phone. My friends actually complain that I should go on it more because I'm such a terrible replier! Woops! I do, however, wish to unplug from my laptop though. I'll definitely be taking your tips into consideration!

    Sarah || blissandliveliness.blogspot.com

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  2. I often unplug! I actually didn't even have an iphnone until a year ago, and then 3 months ago I realized that I barely read anymore. I needed to stop with the phone at a certain time. Bed and phone no longer mix..unless I'm sick. lol! It really isn't that hard if you get into the habit of it!

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    1. I feel the same way. Phones can be so addicting some times, but once you take a little break from them it can be so relieving.

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  3. Soo true we need to stay away from technology and connect with our family in person!

    Please visit my Blog!

    http://www.alessabernal.com/

    Alessa Bernal :)

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  4. This is such a great post! I always feel better when I spend less time online, but it's sooo easy to get sucked into the computer for several hours without realizing how much time has passed. I love your tips, especially "surround yourself with people" and "get physical."

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  5. THIS IS SUCH A GOOD POST OMG. (Also you're such a good writer like wow just saying <3) SO TRUE, it's hard to unplug once we get into a habit of staring at our screens all the time. But that's exactly what it is -- a habit, and all habits can be broken. (THERE IS HOPE!! YAY!) I lovelovelove your tips for making it easier. Especially "turning off notifications." Nothing tempts me to unlock my iPad more than a new comment on my Instagram photo or a Facebook message. Ergo, I need to apply these things in my life. x)

    abbiee

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  6. I needed this...thank you! Your blog is wonderful; even reading your short description in the sidebar made me feel good.

    Prelude Forest ♪

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    1. Thank you! All of the lovely comments you have left truly made my day. :)

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  7. Just come across your blog again after starting a fresh one and wow this is an amazing post! Kinda encouraging me to give unplugging a try because it really is important!

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    1. Thank you so much! I actually had a few unplugged days this week and it inspired me to finish a few books and projects I had started a while ago. :)

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  8. This is an awesome post! :) I tried unplugging a few times and I absolutely recommend it!

    Love,
    Christina ♥
    cinapeh.blogspot.de

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  9. How is it possible that I have not found your blog until now? I need a social media and phone break but it's the holidays I have got millions of movies to watch LOL

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    1. I'm so happy you found it and enjoy reading what I post! :) You have no idea how much that means to me.

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  10. My motivation behind unplugging was exam results; I was determined to gain straight As in my final year of high school so made it that, throughout the year, I wouldn't allow myself to access social media sites at all until I'd completed my school day and evening study. It was much less challenging than I thought, and it did enable me to gain the grades I needed to get into college. Even since, I've disabled notifications for all sites because I don't see any need to be connected at all times. It just disconnects us from real life itself, and all of its beautiful features which you have mentioned. Great post!

    Kate x
    www.triviali-tea.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. I am so happy that you have tried unplugging and it has worked for you! I find that turning off notifications on anything when I need study is always helpful when I need absorb myself into the books and essays for a while.
      All of my friends seem to be constantly stuck to their phones and social media apps, but I never seem to have that problem. Keeping up with Instagram and Snapchat has always been hard for me, but as a result, I'm happy that I have time to read and write instead of browsing posts all the time.

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