Your challenge for today is to look at the screen time report on your phone. If it’s not something you check often, you may be surprised at what you see. Take into account the fact that the report is only from one device. You also probably have computer time, tv time, and time on a tablet. It all adds up to a lot of time staring at a screen.
You are not alone, screen time had become so commonplace already, but the trend has escalated during this time of Coronavirus. If you give a quick google search you will see dozens of articles talking about the increase in screen time over the last year. Sadly, most of them focus on the increase in screen time among children.
If you are like me you are probably asking yourself, “what am I supposed to do about it?” I have work to do…mostly on a computer. I need to be connected for lots of reasons – business, family, health and wellness, so having my phone by my side all the time is necessary. I use my phone as an alarm clock, as a form of entertainment, and for accountability (notifications anyone?). The reality is that we are uber connected, and we all really could use some time to unplug. Now more than ever!
National Day of Unplugging
From sundown on Friday, March 5th until sundown on Saturday, March 6th is National Day of Unplugging 2021. Twenty-four hours to take a break from all the electronics that we use on a regular basis. I am going to do my best to take advantage of it for two reasons. One, I could really use a day to unplug, and two, I want to challenge myself to see if I can actually do it. Can I really stay away from devices and screens for 24 hours? Can you?
Check out the National Day of Unplugging site for lots of great information including downloads and lots of ideas.
Of course, I’m going to advocate that you use the unplugged time to work on your organization or productivity skills and habits. So, in the spirit of being organized, here are a few things you can do on your day of unplugging.
Declutter
Pick a spot or two in your home that could use some decluttering. Start with a closet, or a junk drawer, or even your car. Use the time to purge some items that are no longer serving you. When you are done, hop in the car and drop those items off for donation.
Clean
Do you have an area in your house that you always say, “I’ll clean that when I have time?” Well…this just might be the time. Dive in and clean it up. You may be surprised at how great it feels when you are done.
Take the time to clean up your desk or work area. Monday morning will feel so good when you start with a clean desk.
Read
When was the last time you picked up an actual book? Not an audio book, not a book on a kindle or iPad, but a real book. Find a comfy spot to sit and read. Maybe even make yourself a cocktail or cup of tea to enjoy while reading.
Move
Hike, bike, walk, run, or skip. Get outside and move your body.
Talk
Use the unplugged time to reconnect with your spouse, partner, kids, or neighbors. Enjoy some actual conversation rather than catching up with your friends on social media.
No matter how you decide to go about unplugging, the most important part is that you give it a try. Maybe you will do great, maybe it will be impossible. You won’t know unless you give it a try. Your eyes, your brain, and your body will appreciate the effort.