OK, so we’re all obsessed with technology. Everywhere you turn, we are all constantly buried in our phones, laptops, tablets, headphones and other tech gear.
How much time have you spent today on your phone, on a computer, or watching TV? Chances are you don’t really know the answer, but you and I both know it’s a lot.
I recently tried an app which tracks the amount of time you spend on your phone, and I was horrified to see the total at the end of the day. I can’t even bring myself to tell you the amount!
While I love the benefits of technology as much as anyone, we also know all this tech usage isn’t making us any healthier. In fact, it can contribute to a multitude of physical and mental health issues, including eye strain, back pain, repetitive stress injuries, poor sleep, physical inactivity, isolation, distracted driving (and walking), and many more.
So I started thinking about simple ways to unplug from technology that will pretty quickly make you feel better, both physically and mentally.
I tried to keep these simple so they could be applied in various settings, including work, school, and home. I think many of them could even work in environments where you’re waiting or killing time for short or long periods, like the doctor’s office, riding in a train, bus, or plane, or in an airport.
Here’s a baker’s dozen (13) of fun and healthy ways to unplug from technology and “recharge” your physical and mental batteries. These are pretty self-explanatory, but I’ll add a few brief comments.
1) Journal – Write down your thoughts, feelings, or just an account of your day.
2) Get active – Walk, stretch, do some jumping jacks. Heck, if you have time go for a jog or do a full workout.
3) Have a healthy snack – You know what healthy means; usually it’s in the fruit or vegetable category.
4) Talk – Yes, talk face-to-face with someone. What a concept!
5) Read – Reconnect with the pleasure of reading. Fiction, non-fiction, it’s up to you.
6) Write a letter – Not an email, a real letter with pen and paper. You will be amazed at the reaction you will receive from the recipient.
7) Take a nap – Sleep is restorative. Power naps can be too.
8) Drink some water – Hydration, hydration, hydration.
9) Daydream – Use imagery, meditation, whatever you like for that relaxing mental escape.
10) Make some plans – Develop some personal goals, sketch out your next vacation, plan a birthday party.
11) Play a game – Try one of the classics: tic-tac-toe, dots, or hangman. Or there’s a zillion card and board games.
12) Sketch, draw, or doodle – You don’t have to be an artist to have fun with these.
13) Sing, hum or whistle a tune – Not with headphones or streaming music. Just unleash your inner musician.
Now that I’ve gotten you started, you can probably think of lots more fun and healthy ways to unplug and take a break from technology. Give them a try and see which ones you like best.
Here’s a question: What are your favorite ways to unplug and take a break from technology? Please leave a comment. Also, please subscribe to my blog and feel free to follow me on X (formerly Twitter), “like” my Facebook page, or connect on LinkedIn. Finally, if you enjoyed this article, please share it with a friend!