8 Ways to Benefit From Going Offline This Global Day of Unplugging

Tomorrow, March 7, at sundown, the 16th annual Global Day of Unplugging commences, lasting for one day until sundown on March 8. It's a special day that's all about being present and fostering real-world connections in place of being plugged into the internet all day.

As people who are regularly guilty of checking our phones every five minutes, it's a unique holiday we plan to fully embrace this year. There's actually a word for the fear of going without our devices—nomophobia—and we're eager to move away from that mindset. We're ready to slow down, ignore the hustle and actually be present in a restful and connected way.

Not only is it conveniently at the start of the weekend, away from the obligations of the work week, but it's also being celebrated ahead of Daylight Saving Time, which just might help us adjust to the natural rhythms of the solar day, as opposed to the time on a clock. If you're ready to benefit from unplugging, whether for the holiday or any other occasion, we have some suggestions for you.

Put Your Phone Away

We don't want to be too obvious, but the Global Day of Unplugging really starts with not being on your phone, and that means putting it away. While we recommend turning it off completely, you may instead want to implement Do Not Disturb features or simply silencing your phone (and turning off potentially noisy haptics), just in case. Next, place it somewhere out of arm's reach, making it a little bit more convenient anytime you're tempted to scroll. If you have to use your phone for navigation or payments, that's fine, but do what you can to keep use to a minimum.

 

Spend Face-to-Face Time With People

The people behind the Global Day of Unplugging created the day specifically as a way to move the social experience away from social media and the internet and back to real-life connections, so we recommend starting there. Make plans with friends and family to meet up and reconnect, whether that's over a meal, a board game night or another light bonding activity—no phones allowed.

Of course, we do realize that distance can be an issue. Sometimes the people you're closest to in your heart aren't the closest to you on a map. In that case, instead of texting or DMing them, try setting aside time for an actual phone call to catch up the old-school way, giving each other your undivided attention.

(via Unsplash)

 

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Luxuriate in Nature

Few things help us feel truly unplugged and make us forget about the desire to be on our phones quite like being in nature, and with the March weather warming, it's the perfect time to get outdoors. That might look like a quick walk around the block or through the park, or it might be more intensive, like a hike or even an overnight camping trip.

Make the most of it by practicing mindfulness as you go, taking in the sights, smells, sounds, textures and even tastes of the great outdoors. Anytime you're tempted to take a photo, soak in the moment and take a mental snapshot instead. Remember this is all for you—not for sharing the experience later on social media—and make that memory count.

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Journal

Journaling can be your very best friend when you're unplugged, particularly if you're finding it hard to adapt. We suggest essentially using your journal as the most rudimentary version of your phone. Instead of texting someone or posting something about whatever you're feeling or going through, write it down instead. Spell out the ups and downs of your emotions and really process them through writing.

You can also use this journal to keep track of your impulses when you're away from your phone. Start by writing down anything you wish you could look up. Next, try keeping tally of every time you're tempted to open up certain apps and what might be waiting for you there. Note down the people you feel like contacting or checking in on. This can give you an interesting peek into your habits and any disparities between what's important to you and what behaviors are most compulsive. You can learn a lot about yourself this way, which may inspire you to make changes moving forward.

 

Catch Up on Reading

Have a massive to-be-read pile that only gets bigger because you're spending so much time on your phone? Now is the perfect time to dive back into your reading, and potentially fall in love with it all over again. Without the distraction of your phone, you might find it easier to settle into a rhythm and get completely lost in your book. Even better, once your day of unplugging is done, you might be hooked enough to keep the habit going until you finish the book—and the next one, and the next.

 

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Make Something

An unplugged day can also be the perfect opportunity to finally embark on that creative project you've been putting off. Maybe you enjoy writing, and it's time to put pen or pencil to paper and start bringing that story to life. Perhaps you're an artist and you want to dedicate time to drawing, or painting, or crafting something special. Go in prepared and print out any needed references or instructions beforehand, and then let your imagination run wild.

Or, maybe you want to take a more relaxed approach, without the need to create from scratch. Activities like coloring, jigsaw puzzles, crosswords and more take a more analog approach that engages the mind without the need for your phone.

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Go to an Event

It's easy to stay off your phone when you're having a great time, and there are so many types of entertainment to lose yourself in outside of the home. Maybe you prefer something mellow like a night market, or you go out to see others perform at a concert or play, or you might decide to let loose at a dance club. Even more, these activities actively discourage you from being on your phone. Be present and fully take in the experience.

 

Let Yourself Be Bored

Nobody enjoys being bored, but boredom has a lot of surprising benefits that we simply don't get to see if we keep our brains busy all the time with our phones. Boredom encourages us to think outside the box, try new things and challenge ourselves. It's a natural creativity-generator, and the reward of being able to solve our own boredom can also relieve stress and help us feel more motivated. Basically, boredom can promote growth, so don't be afraid of having nothing going on and basking in inaction every once in a while.

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What practices do you have in your back pocket for when you're feeling overwhelmed? We have some helpful suggestions for you HERE.