Today is National Day of Unplugging. This means we should not be reading this and unplugging from all technology.
This celebration comes every first Friday of March.
It was created to spend time away from our screens for 24 hours and instead spend time in nature, connecting with loved ones, and relaxing. It lets people spend focused time with friends and family, or just by themselves, to remember what matters in life.
So what matters most in our lives?
To say we live in a connected, high-speed world is a bit of an understatement. Sometimes, we can miss what’s happening right in front of us while we are hyper-connected to friends, family, and strangers on social media.
How You Should Celebrate: Create a special day for yourself, where you purposefully put away your phone and computer. Let your children and those you care ofr know you will not be on texts or email.
You could read a book, bake, pick up a creative hobby, or take a hot bath or nap. But this isn't what most of us want.
What is it seniors and their family members wish they would do more of?
Pursue a dream today and not be someone you are truly not.
Spend time with the family and less on the phones doing work.
Make more time for friends. Keep those “years-ago” relationships going.
Hug your family more and tell them you love them. Less time frowning.
Speak more about how you really feel and less time hibernating into the phone or computer with resentment.
Resolve those conflicts today. Say you're sorry and feel better.
Call your family member or friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Children, grandparents, a spouse who’s out of town. As the saying goes, reach out and touch someone by voice, not text!
Be who you really are.
What does this mean for you? Don’t pretend to be someone else. As we hug our cell phones and computers we tend to become another person. Face to face, we show our true selves. Be yourself. Speak up. Do what you want. You’ll feel so much better.
To find out how you cankeep your goals and become a thriving senior or one who cares for the thriving senior, see our Senior Freedom Club.
I love the example of one of our members. She was visiting friends. Her daily routine involved exercising every day for one hour. She explained this to her hosts. They understood and didn’t ask to participate or hesitate. They graciously respected her request and arranged their time together around what was truly important to her.
So, yes, you can enjoy friends and still keep your goals in line with what you truly want.
Make a decision today to be happy. Find the things around you that bring true happiness to you and grab onto them today.
So what are some activities we can do when we unplug?
Outdoor Adventures: Spend the day outdoors enjoying nature. Go for a hike, have a picnic in the park, or simply take a leisurely stroll through your neighborhood. Being in nature can be incredibly refreshing and rejuvenating. Are the songbirds singing?
Arts and Crafts: Tap into your creative side by engaging in arts and crafts activities. Try your hand at painting, drawing, knitting, coloring, or any other craft that interests you. You could even involve your family or friends in a collaborative art project. What is it you want to make today?
Cooking or Baking: Spend some quality time in the kitchen preparing a delicious meal or baking treats from scratch. Cooking can be a therapeutic activity that allows you to focus on the present moment and enjoy the process of creating something delicious. Plop a grandchild on the counter to watch and lick the spoons!
Board Games or Puzzles: Gather your family or friends for a day of old-fashioned board games or puzzles. Whether it's a classic game like Charades or a challenging Twister, these activities can be a fun way to bond, enjoy each other's company and get some exercise in.
Volunteer Work: This might require some planning. Dedicate some time to giving back to your community by volunteering for a local charity or organization. Whether it's helping out at a soup kitchen, participating in a beach cleanup, walking for a cause, or volunteering at a local shelter, contributing to a cause you care about can be incredibly rewarding.
Quality Time with Loved Ones: Use this day to reconnect with family and friends without the distractions of technology. Have meaningful conversations, play games together, or simply enjoy each other's company while walking at the beach, mall, or gym.
Notice all of these involve spending time with others. Not by ourselves watching the internet.
Remember, the goal of the National Day of Unplugging is to disconnect from screens and technology to focus on meaningful people, inner self, activities, and connections.
