I was watching my teenage daughter do some chores the other day and as she walked from point A to point B, her head was down and she was completely immersed in her phone. Not only did her chores take 10X’s longer than they should, Bigfoot could have jumped out and tackled her and she wouldn’t have even seen him coming.
This is the new normal. As a society, we are constantly plugged into our devices checking emails, texts, social media, games . . . our self-worth. Thanks to technology, this new norm is a shadow lurking over us and inviting us to check our phones every time they chime, buzz (burp – yep – I have heard you and your burping phones). Don’t get me wrong, the potential of technology is unlimited and I use it myself on a regular basis. But if we aren’t careful, we can be absorbed by it just like my teenager – I even mention taking her phone away and a tantrum ensues.
Unplugging even for a little while can be challenging, but well worth the benefits you gain:
1. AWARENESS
When you unplug, you are more aware of what is going on around you. You will notice the small things. Bigfoot will have a harder time sneaking up on you. (Even though I make a joke about bigfoot, I cannot stress enough how important it is when walking alone you put away the technology. This will make you less of a target for unwanted attention.)
2. ENGAGE
Unplugging allows you to be in the moment and fully engage in what is happening now. A moment is only here for a short time. My oldest is a teenager, just yesterday she was toddling around and in what will feel like tomorrow she will be leaving for college. These moments, I want them all because I blink and they are gone.
3. SLEEP
Ahhh Sleep! Sleep is good. Our eyes and brains need some downtime. Unplugging an hour before bed will lead to falling asleep faster and to a more restful sleep. Sleep also helps with my next point – Mood.
4. MOOD
Need a mood booster? Unplugging and escaping social media gives our brains time to reboot. With a clear mind, we can be more productive which will result in better moods. I think this benefit is especially important for the younger generations whose emotions can be easily controlled by social media.
5. LIFE
Another friendly reminder not to let life pass you by. Unplugging allows you to physically and emotionally connect with other human beings. By nature, humans are social animals. While staying in touch via technology is great, there is something to be said about meeting face-to-face. Think about it . . . look at your loved ones and think about your most memorable moments together – were they a text, a blurp on social media – or were you together, in the thick of it, laughing, crying, being?
As a family, we recently had a day of unplugging. At first, it was difficult. A little strange even. But it allowed us to bond as a family. Something we hadn’t done for a long time. It was totally worth it and we now make sure to unplug once a week.
So, take the Unplug Challenge this year (even if in little spurts) – go find what you have been missing!
About the author:
Autumn Gilleard, was born and raised in Western Montana Autumn lives on a ranch with her husband, two daughters, and son. She enjoys spending time in the outdoors with her family 4-wheeling, fishing, rafting, and hiking. When not out on a adventure with her family, you can find her at the Missoula Taekwondo Center. Where she trains as a black belt and part of a competition team. (She is Worth the Fight……Hahahahah)
