With summer finally in full swing, we’re relishing the extra time in the great outdoors. Weekends exploring coastal paths. Evenings camping beneath technicolour sunsets. Pre-work ocean dips and post-work drinks in leafy pub gardens…with so many life-affirming experiences ripe for the taking, the urge to switch off and dive in, undisturbed, is strong. It’s the perfect time to put down our digital devices, step away from our screens, slow the pace and UNPLUG – whether for a few weeks, days, or even hours.
What is unplugging?
We live in a digital age. Glued to the glowing screens of our phones, laptops and TVs, and with social media at our fingertips, it’s easy to slip into mindless scrolling or feel consumed by compulsive notification checking. And with the average global internet user now spending six hours and 35 minutes online every day, concerns are growing about the effects of our tech-obsessed culture on our physical and mental health.
Unplugging, or ‘digital detoxing’, means consciously disconnecting from screens and devices for a period of time. It’s all about engaging in real-world activities instead and giving our brains and bodies a chance to rest and recover.
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” – Anne Lamott
The benefits of unplugging
Overuse of technology can lead to physical problems like bad posture, eye strain, headaches and poor quality of sleep, as well as mental health issues like anxiety, depression, addiction, social isolation, decreased intimacy in relationships and more.
A break from our digital devices can help mitigate these effects and regain a sense of wellbeing and balance in our lives. It can also provide a welcome opportunity to quieten the ‘noise’ from information overload, hit pause on the to-do list and soften the demands of our day-to-day routines for a while.
Unplugged activities
Seeking inspiration for how, where and when to take a digital detox this summer? Reconnect with yourself with this run-down of our favourite unplugged activities worth finding time for.
Go for a walk
…and leave your phone at home. Focus on your senses and surroundings, paying close attention to what you can see, hear, smell, and feel on your skin or beneath your feet. This simple mindfulness practice can work wonders for our nervous systems.
Journal
Journaling is a simple but powerful unplugged practice for wellbeing...using good old paper and a pen/ pencil. Connect with yourself, explore your feelings, make gratitude lists, sketch memories, write poems… The possibilities are endless.
Plan a phone-free picnic
There’s something special about tucking into lovingly prepared food al fresco on a warm summer evening. Whether you’re heading to the park for a picnic with friends or simply laying out a blanket in the back garden with your family, see what happens when you switch your phones off.
Meditate
Regular meditation is proven to reduce stress and anxiety and enhance emotional health. If you typically listen to guided meditations on your phone, see if you can practice somewhere peaceful to the sounds of nature instead.
Get crafty
Tap into your creativity and enjoy some seasonal arts and crafts. You could press flowers, experiment with simple collage, make colourful bunting, or embrace your inner (or actual!) child and try finger painting.
Have a campfire
…and gaze at the stars. Marshmallows and hot chocolate at the ready. For us, watching flames flicker and dance beats TV every time.
Play games
Board games, card games, lawn games…Rally your friends or family for some old-school analogue fun and let the competition commence. The Nordic skittles game Mölkky is one of our favourites for summer.
Stay off-grid
For the ultimate unplugged adventure in nature, take yourself somewhere completely off-grid for a heavenly week(end) free of digital distractions. From handcrafted shepherd’s huts to riverside cabins, the UK has an abundance of unique hideaways and retreats to choose from.
Read a book
An oldie but a goodie. Is there anything more pleasant than lying on the grass in the dappled shade beneath a tree and sinking into a good book?
References:
https://datareportal.com/global-digital-overview
https://www.godaddy.com/resources/mindset/national-day-of-unplugging
https://thehumanbeautymovement.com/the-benefits-of-unplugging/
https://www.wpa.org.uk/health-wellbeing/articles/importance-of-unplugging
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-benefits-of-meditation
