Unplug
March 7-8 is the Global Day of Unplugging. This annual event in early March is designed to encourage us to unplug from technology fora 24-hour period. The time period is based on the concept of the biblical Sabbath where sunset Friday to sunset Saturday is set aside from normal daily activities.
The Day of Unplugging encourages us to set aside social media, email, text messaging and other forms of electronic communication. The objective is to plug into meaningful conversations, in-person meetings, and spend time in observation of the world (ideally the natural world) around us.
Despite being more connected through technology there is an epidemic of loneliness. Despite having productivity enhancing tools at our disposal, we are stressed to the breaking point. Unplugging is designed to give us a break from those pressures, and the opportunity to relax and reconnect.
How can you participate?
The first step is to turn off or silence your electronic devices during the designated period. Depending on your comfort level, need for, or “addiction” to technology, unplugging options range from cutting back on technology usage to engaging in a total digital fast.
You may choose to start by not using social media sites or apps. A more aggressive approach avoids using computers. Lastly, you can go screenless which includes not using your smart phone.
The second step is replacing your screen time by spending time with other people (or by yourself) doing things that don’t involve the use of technology.
If unplugging appeals, you likely recognize something is missing in your life. Your relationships with family and friends may be suffering. Perhaps they lack focused in-person time. Perhaps you are stressed by the hectic pace of emails and notifications.
Plan to spend your unplugged time doing things with others. Go to the beach, take a hike, or chat over a meal or coffee.
If you need alone time, that is fine too. Use your unplugged time to read, listen to music, plant a garden and/or take a nap.
Remember the goal of the goal
Sometimes, in our pursuit of a goal, the goal becomes the activity and not the goal itself. In biblical times the Jewish leaders had created rules regarding behavior during their Sabbath hours. Jesus chastised them because the rules had become a barrier to the goal which was using the time for communion with God.
When you unplug keep the goal of the goal in mind. I mentioned using this time to read or listen to music. That may involve the use of an electronic device, and that is OK provided you avoid the temptation to plugin. You know yourself to know if that is going to be a problem. If it is, you may want to limit your reading to paper books or only listen to vinyl or CDs.
The unplugging experience isn’t intended to create hardships. If you need to make a call or get GPS directions, there aren’t any “unplugging police” to write you a ticket.
Modify unplugging to fit your needs
Think of unplugging as an experiment. At the end of the day of being unplugged assess how it went. How did you spend your time? How was the 24-hour period different from what you normally do? How did it make you feel?
If it was a positive experience, make plans to repeat the practice.
Additional Resources
If you’re interested in more on this topic, The Minimalists have a couple essays you may find helpful.
· Reprogramming the Twitch (www.theminimalists.com/twitch/)
· Screenless Saturdays (www.theminimalists.com/screenless/)
Written by Brian Mitchell
Brian Mitchell has experience leading Total Rewards strategy and implementation for large employers.
Benefit Boosts by Brian Mitchell© – Vol 2025-001
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