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11 Reasons Why I’m Unplugging

Guys, I am SO excited about this unplugging challenge. I mean, obviously, I love the internet and am on it all the time (thanks for being online right now and reading this!), but you can get too much of a good thing. And when your day starts with the morning news, continues on in front of the computer all day and then winds down with a little TV while also playing on Facebook or checking some app (I know you do it, too … ), well, that might be just a bit too much.

And while I know I feel better when I do take a few hours out to just recharge and be — whether it’s cooking a great meal, going for a run sans earbuds or reading a physical book — it’s easy to just fall into plugged-in habits. In a lot of ways, screen time is just the norm for the majority of the day. Ack! So a challenge that makes me aware of how plugged in I am and gives me a goal to unplug? Brilliant.

The #FBGUnplug challenge just started on Friday (get the deets and do it yourself here!), and I’m all geared up to do Level 2, breaking it into a chunk in the morning and a chunk at night. I may progress to Level 3 soon though (this weekend?!) … with how much I’m already looking for to it, I have a feeling I’ll want to up the ante. Here are 11 reasons why I’m psyched to unplug!

reasons-to-unplug

11 Reasons Why I’m Unplugging

1. To sleep better. Studies have shown that screen time before bed can reduce the quantity and quality of your sleep. Ain’t nobody got time for that!

2. To stress less. When I see a full inbox, I can literally feel my blood pressure rise. That can’t be good then to be checking it 15 times a day and just before bed (see no. 1), right? Right.

3. To get stuff done. Funny how it’s hard to find time to clean, organize and run errands, but it’s way easy to binge-watch the new season of Orange is the New Black, huh? One of the reasons I want to unplug is to get some stuff done around the house. I know I’ll feel so accomplished — way more than sitting on the couch and watching TV!

4. To connect to friends and family. With no cell phones or TV to distract you, it’s amazing how much more you’ll connect with friends and family. After all, your undivided attention is a gift — and it’s amazing what you’ll learn if you really listen to others!

5. To have more memories. I’ve watched way more episodes of Keeping Up With the Kardashians than I’d care to admit. But, for all that time watching, do I have one really good memory that I can reflect on and say, “yeah, that was worth it?” Nope. ‘Nuff said.

6. To read more books. There’s just something about a real hold-it-in-your-hands book. (Need one to read? How about ours!)

7. To ditch the comparison trap, big time. The comparison trap is especially easy to fall into on social media where everyone on there is showing their best stuff. I mean, from a quick look on Facebook, it’s kinda hard not to feel boring or uncool when everyone you know is in the Caribbean, sipping mai tais, with their totally gorgeous husband and totally well-behaved and adorable kids. Who feels me on this?

8. To simplify. Do I really need to be at the beck and call of my phone or computer at all ours of the day? Nope. Less devices = more quiet = more space = more freedom to just be.

9. To meditate. Since the beginning of the year, I’ve been really making my mediation practice a solid habit, and I know this unplugging challenge will give me even more time and quiet to keep at it. I’ve been meditating about every other day for about 10 to 15 minutes … maybe this will get me to 20 minutes, most days!

10. To get to know me better. With more quiet and non-tech time, I may not be taking the latest quiz that tells me what state I should live in or what Sex and the City character I am, but I have a sneaking suspicion I’ll get a deeper sense of self.

11. To live. In 50 years, will I look back and say, “Man, I really wish I played around on my iPad more in my 30s?” I doubt it.

Are you taking our unplugging challenge? Why — and what are you hoping to get out of it? —Jenn

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Comments

2 Comments
  1. Eddie says:

    I’m glad I read this because what you say is so true. I can’t believe how much time I spend on being plugged in and after this email it’s going to change. If I can quit smoking and which I have over 6 years . I should be able to do this. Thank You for putting this out here. I love a challenge. Thank You

  2. I think you bring up some really good points here, but I have to say that these are things you can do/focus on without “unplugging.” It really comes down to priorities.

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