How to Unplug in a Technology Driven World

I’ve talked about what it means to unplug and interact with the world around you, but what does it mean to unplug in the comfort of your own home? To set boundaries with your devices, even when you’re by yourself.

Boundaries, you say? Why would I want to do that?

Let me give you some examples.

Set a time at night where you put away your phone and do something else instead. This might also mean turning off the tv, shutting down your computer, and reading from a real book rather than a kindle.

Why?

You know what everyone has already said. The blue light from electronics interrupts our sleep. Why do you need to be available at the drop of a hat to respond to a text message? You’re addicted to your device. The list goes on.

Here’s the truth, sometimes we need our devices. Emergencies happen; or maybe a friend calls out of the blue to say hello at 8 at night; a family member is arriving on a late flight and they need to call you to pick them up at the airport.

Unplugging shouldn’t mean you can’t be flexible.

Unplugging isn’t a set of rules to follow.

Unplugging is a lifestyle.

So how to unplug in a technology driven world? Well, to help you get started, here are a few boundaries my husband and I try to keep during the week.

1. Keep your phone in another room while you sleep and get a different alarm clock.
2. Don’t check your electronics after a certain time at night. If you’re someone like me and you want to write on an iPad or read on a kindle, put the device on airplane mode to help you focus on one thing at a time.
3. Dedicate an evening each week to being present with family and/or friends. Maybe this means you set up a regular dinner or a game night with friends.
4. Spend some time by yourself, WITHOUT your device. Read, take a walk, paint, play an instrument. It’s amazing what you might invent when you allow yourself the time to truly think.

So you’ve shut down your computer and put away your phone. Now what?

If you’re feeling a bit lost as to what to do, let me offer a few ideas. Once you read a few thoughts, use your imagination to come up with some more ideas of your own!

1. Work on a puzzle.

My husband and I have done a few 1000 piece puzzles together. It’s a wonderful way to spend the evening together and you’d be surprised how much critical thinking it takes!

2. Learn how to do something new.

The ideas are endless: shoot some hoops, make something with your hands, learn a new language. And without your device near to distract you, you’d be amazed by what you can accomplish in an hour.

3. Read.

If you aren’t sure what to read, make a book list or call a friend and ask for some suggestions. Checkout my post on 4 Classic Books for Fall (featuring strong women) for some ideas!

4. Workout.

How many of us get home from work intending to work out, only to spend 30 minutes on Facebook instead? Be intentional with your body, you’re living in it the rest of your life!

5. Write

For some this may be journaling, for others maybe this is writing a short story, poem, or blog post (that’s me!). If you absolutely feel like you need to write on your computer, turn off your wifi and make your screen wide so you don’t get distracted by the apps on your computer.

Now, these lists aren’t intended for you to learn and think about “how to change my life in just 5 easy steps.”

This is a list for you to think about, and then DO.

And it won’t be easy.

While I can tell you how to unplug, I can’t make you do it, and there are probably some of you who don’t feel you want to or need to.

But let me tell you, if you give it a try, it will change you.

Let yourself find freedom again, living in the present.

Then spread the word.