{"id":5371,"date":"2021-03-04T08:44:43","date_gmt":"2021-03-04T14:44:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.creativesolutionsonline.org\/?p=5371"},"modified":"2021-03-04T08:45:39","modified_gmt":"2021-03-04T14:45:39","slug":"unplugging","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.creativesolutionsonline.org\/rebuild-csbh-sit\/unplugging\/","title":{"rendered":"A “Day of Unplugging”: What It is and Why You Should Participate"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Social<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Do you need a Day of Unplugging? Think about how often you look at your phone each day. How much time do you spend on social media? How many hours do you spend playing games on your tablet? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reality is, most of us are on some kind of device around the clock. For many, checking your phone first thing in the morning has become a habit, and spending all day in front of technology is the norm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s why a \u201cday of unplugging\u201d is a unique and healthy concept that everyone should get behind. So much so, that the National Day of Unplugging<\/a> has become an actual event and one that you may consider participating in this year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the National Day of Unplugging? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This special day occurs on the first Friday in March<\/strong>. The \u201crules\u201d are simple; you simply need to do things you enjoy all day, other than spending time on social media or looking at your electronic devices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, if you need to use a computer or your phone for work, that\u2019s understandable. But, don\u2019t spend any extra time on your devices. If you can, consider taking the day off so you can fully commit to the idea of unplugging. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Unplugging\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s only 24 hours, but being away from your devices that long can be a challenge for some people. Abstaining from using them might help you to see how dependent you are, and how much you rely on them in your daily routine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

(If you can’t do a whole day, consider setting aside a few hours in a row, like after dinner until bedtime).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I recently realized this when a series of bizarre winter storms hit Texas over the President’s day weekend, and we were without internet for most of a day. Luckily we had the basic necessities of heat, water, etc. Although I certainly don’t consider myself a phone-addict, I was surprised at how many times I reached for my phone, or the Roku remote to fill in the empty moments. It really made me more mindful and aware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Can You Do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The beauty of this day is that it encourages you to do literally almost anything, apart from spending time on your devices. Read a newspaper. Catch up with friends. Cook an elaborate meal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may have hobbies or interests<\/strong> that you haven\u2019t been able to explore in a long time because your free time has been dedicated to your cell phone or tablet. Play board games, puzzles, or card games. Get outside and connect with nature. Even catching up on household chores can feel gratifying. The National Day of Unplugging is the perfect time to find relaxation in other areas of your life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are the Benefits of Unplugging? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unplugging for a day isn\u2019t just a test of your willpower. It actually has a lot of physical and mental health benefits that might encourage you to do it more than once a year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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First, and perhaps most importantly, unplugging gives you an opportunity to \u201creset<\/strong>\u201d. You can relax, knowing there is no pressure to look at social media and compare yourself to others. You can reconnect with people in-person and make deeper connections with friends and family. Because you\u2019re not distracted by a device, you might even spend your day appreciating the world around you, from the sights and sounds to the people in your life that might typically take a back seat when you\u2019re \u201cplugged in\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ditching your devices for a day can also help you to de-stress<\/strong>. You\u2019ll have more time to do the things you want to do. Most of us don\u2019t like to admit it, but spending time on technology tends to waste a lot of time. You can get more done in a day when you aren\u2019t so attached to that technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As an added bonus? You might find that you actually get more restful sleep<\/strong> when you step away from technology, even for a day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Holiday Worth Celebrating<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While a day of unplugging may not change your life completely, it can open your eyes to some things. As you start to see the benefits, you should be inspired to make \u201cunplugging\u201d a regular occurrence in your life instead of saving it as a once-a-year occasion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you know you spend too much time on your devices, or you just want to challenge yourself for a day, participate in this year\u2019s National Day of Unplugging. With so many benefits to consider, you\u2019ll be glad you did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact Me<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I know how stressful and demanding it can be to make changes in your life, but you don\u2019t have to figure it out on your own.   Some of the benefits of individual therapy include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n