The National Day of Unplugging is a “digital detox” and designed to encourage individuals and families to look up from their screens, give their fingers a break, and connect with hobbies and people IRL (in real life). Beginning at sundown on Friday, March 7 and ending at sundown on Saturday, March 8, the National Day of Unplugging is an opportunity to pledge not to touch a computer, tv, mobile phone, or other electronic device for just 24 hours. Instead, participants are encouraged to do some of those pre-media things that we did just 20 years ago. Remember how we used to contact our friends? Remember when reading the news meant opening a newspaper? Remember when the projects we did or the things that we did in our spare time involved pencil and paper or just sitting in a park?
Now, everything we do revolves around a computer or mobile device. While it makes many things more convenient, it can also distract us from the hobbies and people that we love. That’s why it is important to unplug every now and again.
I found a few really great ideas around the web concerning unplugging yourself and/or your family. Here are a few:
- Unplug from Technology from Huffington Post
Are you a nomophobe? If you are afraid to be without your smartphone, then you may want to consider cutting back on its use. Some great ideas for occupying your time and connecting IRL. - Limit your Kid’s Screen Time without Whining or Complaining from Andrea’s Notebook
She suggests earning screen time (and includes a download for some really cute reward tickets). - How to Live Life Completely Hands-Free from Dot Complicated
Here are some great family rule ideas for media. - ScreenFree.Org
Use the National Day of Unplugging as a warm up for a Screen Free Week from May 5 to 11. - 20 Ways to Unplug from TV from LDS Living
Not just for TV, this article has some great ideas to inspire your media fast. - 10 Ways to Unplug your Family and Enjoy your Weekend from USAWeekend
The writers at Family Fun share some suggestions for disconnecting from technology and connecting with your family.
What are some ways that you can make the most of your day of unplugging? Tell us in the comments below.
