As the last bit of summer winds down, now is the time to make the most of those long days filled with sun and blue sky. The best way to enjoy the last bit of summer is to unplug and recharge.
For many reasons, spending time away from our electronics is good for us. Let’s look at a few reasons why you need to put down your phone and walk away from your computer.
Cell Phone Usage
First, here are a few cell phone usage statistics that may give you pause for reflection as to why unplugging is more important than ever.
- 58% of smartphone users don’t go one hour without checking their phones. Source
- US adults are estimated to have spent 3 hours 49 minutes per day on their cell phone and 3 hours 29 minutes per day watching TV. Source
- The average cell phone user touches their phone 2617 times per day. Source
Unplugging for Your Health
Reduce stress
With more of us working from home and trying to balance family and work needs, stress levels can be elevated, more than ever. Establishing boundaries for work time at home is important when trying to reduce stress. Your brain and body need a break and being plugged into work 24/7 isn’t healthy for your mind, body or spirit.
Gain Time
There are only 24 hours in a day, but it will feel like you gain a few hours when you unplug from scrolling and surfing. Imagine what you could do with that extra time. Get outside for a walk, draw, write, paint, discover a new hobby or cook up some amazing new plant-based meals.
Physical health
Being hunched over a screen or keyboard all day takes a toll on your brain, eyes, neck, hands and back. Giving your body a break from technology can have a noticeable effect on your physical health; try taking back at least one hour per day for some type of physical activity. This extra time you give yourself will benefit your mind and body.
Mental health
Social media has the tendency to create feelings of “FOMO”- Fear of Missing Out. FOMO makes us check our phone constantly to see what others are doing; feelings of jealousy and depression can then take hold. Taking a break from comparing your life to other’s lives can be a much needed mental break. Cultivating gratitude can have a positive affect on your daily outlook. A few simple ideas on how to cultivate gratitude can be found here.
So once you have decided to unplug, you might be asking, “Well, what do I do now?” Keeping yourself busy and inspired will help you stay away from scrolling. Stay tuned for our next blog that will give you 20 ideas for what to do unplugged!
Ideas in this blog inspired by: https://www.adventisthealth.org/blog/2019/march/the-benefits-of-unplugging-from-electronics/
