Unplugged. | by Cerella Sechrist



Today, March 9, is National Unplugging Day. Ironically, for a day when you are supposed to disconnect from your technological devices, it even has its own hashtag (#NationalUnpluggingDay)

But if you’re reading this blog today, I take it you haven’t chosen to completely unplug from online connections. I understand. In a world where we are used to being connected 24/7, it’s hard to actually “cut the cord.” (Not that you have to do something so drastic as actual cord cutting. Just pulling the plug is sufficient.)

The truth is, however, that most of us do realize it’s beneficial to occasionally disconnect from the technological world. Various studies have revealed that you’re likely to sleep better, experience improved mood, deepen your relationships, and connect better with the world around you.

Becoming Minimalist has some great suggestions on how to get a better grasp on your technology addiction, including choosing a period each day (whether it’s 30 minutes to an hour) where you are purposely disconnected from your phone, computer, tablet, and television. Whether it’s the first hour of your day or at mealtimes, try distancing yourself from the siren’s call of social media and focus on you, your environment, or your family instead.


If you find the above suggestion worthwhile, you can take it one step further and go on an extended unplugged retreat where you power off your devices for days at a time (Joshua Becker suggests 40 days, but if that’s too extreme for you, one not start with a weekend?)

One thing I’ve found is that when I force myself to step away from technology, I feel refreshed, more alert, energetic, and positive. Freeing up my time by avoiding glowing screens prompts me to do something like pick up a book instead. This in turn reminds me of how much I love reading – and writing – and inspires me to immerse myself in written stories instead.

If you missed the chance to unplug today, don’t feel as though the opportunity has passed you by. Every day offers the possibility to put down a device and reconnect with the world right in front of us.

You might just be surprised at the stories you find.




CERELLA SECHRIST lives in York, Pennsylvania with two precocious pugs, Darcy and Charlotte, named after Jane Austen literary characters. Inspired by her childhood love of stories, she was ten years old when she decided she wanted to become an author. She’s been known to post too many pug photos on both Instagram and Pinterest. You can see for yourself by finding her online at www.cerellasechrist.com. The Way Back to Erin, Book #3 in her "A Findlay Roads Story" series, is her fifth Harlequin Heartwarming novel.

Comments

  1. What a great idea! I'm going to try unplugging this weekend. May have to take baby steps. 😊

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    1. I know, Leigh, it's very difficult to do, isn't it? I think baby steps are just fine! :)

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  2. I can't unplug on a work day: it's tax season, and I have to work on my computer and take calls on my phone. I will be spending the weekend with my parents, and spending less time with technology, but since my phone is also my watch, and my calculator and my calendar, it's a real life style shift to be away from it. But summer is coming, and when we're out on the boat, all those electronic gizmos need to be safely stashed away from the water, and there's time to relax. Now, if only I could get paid for being on a sailboat...

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    1. Kim, this is a great thought! While out on the water, electronics must be stowed away! I think you're right, we all need to find a way to get paid to be on a sailboat. ;) I hope you have a great time this summer!

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  3. It's not hard for me to leave my cell behind when Sunny and I go for a walk. Might be a little harder for the group that has grown up with tech. Still a great idea, especially for kids and teens.

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    1. Good for you! I have my moments where all I want to do is leave the cell phone behind. But it's such a habit to have it with me, to stay connected. Next time I take a walk, though, I'm going to take my cue from you and leave it behind!

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  4. I've always been good at forgetting where I put my cell. I think my soul has a built-in safety switch to keep me for getting electronic overload.

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    1. lol! That's not a bad thing, Moira! I always panic when I'm not sure where I put it. As if the world will end, and I won't know about it if it's not on me at all times!

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  5. Great idea. Not sure I can do it, but it's still a great idea. :-)

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  6. Even 90% of my reading is on my kindle, so it's hard to totally disconnect. Now as for a cell phone, I'm notorious for leaving it at home when I go out and forgetting to check my messages for a day or two at a time. I get antsy when the internet goes down, though.

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    1. You sound a lot like me, Beth! I do a lot of reading on my Kindle app on my phone, so even if I'm trying not to be connected, I'm using something digital. But then when alerts come through, I get distracted from my reading! And I get antsy too if the internet goes down. We'll have to keep trying! :)

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  7. I unplug for periods of time to read and sometimes I don’t get back to my electronic devices until the next day, hence the reason why I didn’t comment on this post yesterday Cerella. ( :

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    1. lol!! I love your comment, Laurie!! I hope you feel recharged after unplugging yesterday. ;)

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