# Embracing Technology-Free Time: Lessons from Unplugging Day
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Unplugging
For several years, I've heard about the National Day of Unplugging, and the concept of dedicating a whole day away from technology has always piqued my interest. However, I often had a ready excuse to avoid participating. This year (2021), everything changed; I managed to take a day off from work, allowing me to truly embrace a technology-free day—well, mostly. I did use a microwave and noticed others using their devices, but I largely succeeded in staying unplugged.
Here's what I discovered after experiencing a day without technology:
Unplugging required planning ahead.
Deciding to disconnect for a day was neither simple nor spontaneous. It meant taking leave from work, which my employer graciously accommodated. As a remote digital marketer, I usually find myself constantly online. Even minor tasks, like attending a dental appointment, needed careful consideration. I had to recall the route to the dentist without relying on Google Maps for navigation and jot down my appointment time instead of checking my digital calendar.
The day prior to my unplugged day, I informed others about my limited availability and set up an email autoresponder detailing my absence. Fortunately, nothing urgent arose that day, but people are so accustomed to constant communication via calls, emails, and texts.
Section 1.1: The Mental Shift of Unplugging
Unplugging encouraged deeper thought.
Having a day devoid of the usual technological distractions was quite refreshing. Nevertheless, I wanted to utilize my time productively. This involved brainstorming activities in advance, while consciously eliminating options that required a phone or computer.
For instance, I worked in my yard, raking leaves and pulling weeds, normally accompanied by a podcast. Instead, I enjoyed the peace and quiet, which was a pleasant shift. While I considered reaching out to landscape companies for quotes, I postponed that task since it necessitated a phone call.
These decisions weren't particularly challenging; they simply demanded more contemplation. The absence of instant access compelled me to delay immediate gratification.
Some activities I engaged in without technology included:
- Attending a dental appointment
- Taking a walk outdoors
- Reading a book
- Catching up on Bible study
- Tidying up around the house
- Taking a nap
Section 1.2: The Ease of Disconnecting
Unplugging turned out to be easier than anticipated.
Beyond the initial preparations and the flexibility needed from others, the act of unplugging wasn't as tough as it might seem. I found myself not yearning for my phone or craving my laptop. It was actually refreshing to step away from screens.
This experience highlighted that, for many of us, the urge to stay online stems more from external pressures than internal desires. While I frequently check emails and social media for that quick dopamine boost, I also don't want to miss any crucial messages.
I appreciated the opportunity to spend time offline; the National Day of Unplugging provided a valid reason to be unreachable for a day. Surprisingly, the act of disconnecting felt quite manageable.
Chapter 2: The Aftermath of Unplugging
The first video titled "7 Important Reasons to Unplug in 2022" explores essential motivations for disconnecting from technology and highlights the benefits of taking a break from screens.
The second video, "TECH CORPS Unplugged Lessons," shares valuable insights and lessons learned from experiences of unplugging, emphasizing its significance in our tech-driven lives.
Reconnecting to technology was effortless.
On Saturday morning, my first instinct was to check my phone for any missed messages or emails. I was curious about what I might have overlooked while offline—though it turned out to be quite minimal. It felt almost instinctive to reconnect to the internet, as if I had earned the right to be back online.
Most of us have developed such a strong connection to our devices that using them feels second nature, making the act of unplugging feel out of place. It's the disconnection that feels unusual, and inevitably, re-establishing that connection was almost automatic.
Unplugging served as a reminder of how intertwined my life is with technology, and reconnecting underscored this relationship. As I reopened my apps and scrolled through social media, I became slightly more aware of my actions and the time spent online.
This experience made me realize that I would like to unplug again in the future.
Section 2.1: Future Intentions
While I'm uncertain if I'll completely disconnect for a full day again, I recognize the value of unplugging more frequently—even if only for a few hours.
I could aim for an unplugged morning or afternoon, leave my phone at home during a stroll, or spend a weekend without checking emails or watching TV. These small steps can lead us toward a more balanced relationship with technology.
Not that technology is inherently negative; rather, we must avoid becoming overly dependent on it and losing appreciation for its role in our lives. Spending a day away from it served as a valuable reminder of that balance. I can utilize the internet and my smartphone with a renewed understanding of their impact.
What are your thoughts on the importance of unplugging from technology?