In this busy and chaotic world, it can be a challenge to unplug and recharge. We are living in a world where we are more connected to technology than to ourselves. Televisions, computers, smartphones, tablets, smartwatches. We are surrounded by them. We are sleeping with them. We grab them first thing in the morning. We can’t live without them. In this blog I share 5 ways to unplug from technology; going for a walk, reading a book, getting creative, meeting a friend or writing in a journal, all for a healthier life.
Do you remember the time when we were younger? We had to use a map and ask people to find the right way. We were playing outside as there was not much interesting on the television. We were reading books, even an encyclopedia. We used a photo camera with limited space and we had to wait till the results. We were writing handwritten letters and never knew when we would receive a reply. Life was so different.
Everything is possible
Of course, technology nowadays makes our life much more convenient. We don’t have to check the encyclopedia to find an answer. We can make a photo and directly send it to our family on the other side of the world. With a few clicks we can order a new product. We can do an online yoga class. We order food and it will be delivered to our house. We can work remote as long as we have a laptop and internet. We can check our health on our smartwatch. We can make a video call with someone far away. We can listen to our favorite music everywhere we go. This technology gives you so many possibilities. Because of this, almost everything seems to be possible.
And that is where the unhealthy part of our lives begins. It is amazing that our world has become so big. That we can contact a stranger on the other side of the world. That we know what is happening elsewhere. That we can suddenly can learn so many things online or by using apps. We can find a job in another country.
But all these things can lead to health problems. Anxiety, depression, fear of missing out, sleeping issues, eye problems, decreased attention span, distorted reality and being disconnected with ourselves.
Unplug from technology
We all have 24 hours in a day. And with all these possibilities, we can’t do everything that is possible. We need to choose and put boundaries. Despite the beauty that we have so many possibilities, it is also overwhelming. We need to learn to simplify and unplug. Easier said than done, but we have to take steps for a healthier life. I will share five ways to unplug from technology.
# 1 Go for a walk
Leave your phone at home and go out for a walk. In this way you don’t have any distractions like listening to music or an audiobook. You can’t text or call someone. You can’t make photos. You just focus on your breath, the way you walk and your surroundings. Be present and experience the moment.
# 2 Grab a book
Grab a real book (no e-book) and put your phone away. No disruptions, but make time to read. Find a cosy corner and just feel the book in your hands, how you turn the pages, the smell of the book and enjoy your reading.
# 3 Do something creative
It’s easy to check a video or explanation online. That can be good as well, as you can learn from it. But make also time to do something creative without the urge to do it well. Just let your thoughts roam free and try a new recipe by using your common sense and tastebuds. Make a new toy for your cat. Or make a painting. Just use your creativity instead of copy paste someone else. If you do this more often, it will also become easier to be creative.
# 4 Meet a friend
Plan a meeting with a friend or relative. Keep your phone in your bag or pocket. And enjoy the quality time together. You can have a deep conversation, play a board game, go for a walk or enjoy a matcha latte. And really listen to the other person. Don’t get distracted by other thoughts or notifications.
# 5 Write in a journal
Writing on paper is different than writing on a computer. Buy a journal and a pen and start journaling. It doesn’t matter what you write about. Your thoughts of that day, your dreams, your feelings, your fears, a to-do-list or just random words. Don’t think about grammar or spelling. Just let the words flow.
And you? What do you do to unplug from technology?
Jane Regina Sauer 