Taking a break from technology can work wonders for your brain and body. By making a conscious effort to unplug once in a while, you’ll be able to focus more on the joy of everyday life and be more present when interacting with the people around you.
Although Meetup itself is a form of technology, our mission has always been to help people use the internet to get off the internet and enjoy real human experiences. Take a closer look at why unplugging is so important, and check out a few simple steps to help you create more tech-free time in your life.
Why pursuing regular breaks from your devices is a good idea
On a historical time scale, the extraordinary boom in routine use of personal technology is a very new development. This recency makes it hard to be certain when analyzing the rewards and risks of ever-present tech. However, there are a few clear-cut drawbacks of being plugged-in for too long. Here are some benefits you can enjoy when you power your devices down.
Improve your productivity and memory
Continuous technology use leads to an increase in distractibility. People who want to be productive and even improve memory often fall into the trap of excess tech time, but it’s hard to get anything done when your device is buzzing with notifications all day long.
The average American checks their phone hundreds of times per day, and it can take a long time for your attention to recover from each of these brain-tingling distractions. Plus, there is a correlation between digital media bombardment and problems with working memory capacity. Working memory, in contrast with long-term memory, is what helps you absorb information and keep track of what you’re doing.
Research shows that working more than 50 hours a week actually leads to a decrease in productivity. Carving some tech-free me-time into your schedule can help you achieve your academic, professional, or personal goals with fewer wasted hours.
Decrease stress and keep your body healthy
While our devices often empower us to stay connected, the overuse of technology can have serious effects on your emotional and psychological wellbeing. While the causes aren’t always straightforward, studies have linked tech dependence with feelings of social isolation, depression, and anxiety.
Your brain isn’t the only part of your body that will appreciate a break from screens. Screen time, screen glare, and screen brightness can all contribute to eyestrain, which causes blurred vision and uncomfortable dry eyes. Many people also exhibit poor posture when using mobile devices and computers, which may lead to musculoskeletal issues. A great way to avoid this at work is by taking regular breaks, like walking around the office every hour.
Some of the most significant issues associated with too much tech are sleep problems and physical inactivity. Blue light from your devices can disturb the body’s natural circadian rhythm, making it harder to fall asleep or causing you to feel less alert the next morning. Plus, too much tech use contributes to a sedentary lifestyle. Over time, this can lead to severe health risks like cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes. Getting active outside is a great way to unplug and keep your body strong.
How to stick to your unplugging plan
Once you’ve decided to pursue more tech-free time, follow these steps to make the transition easy:
- Pick a schedule – It’s always better to be specific with your life goals. Instead of generally agreeing to spend “less time” plugged in, a more effective approach is to choose set times when you’ll be off the grid. You could try following this one day a week unplugged schedule or pick a window of time each day to step away from all devices.
- Stick with it – You might not see immediate benefits the first time you make a conscious effort to unplug. In fact, it might feel a bit unusual or worrying. But if you stick with your plan for at least a few weeks, you’ll notice your mind and body responding to the change. You may even start to crave those unplugged moments.
- Decrease your average device time – In addition to carving out windows of totally tech-free time, you can also set reasonable limits on your regular tech use. Learn how to track screen time on Apple devices or Androids and set benchmarks for moderate usage.
- Find real-world events on Meetup – Face-to-face social interactions have been proven to increase feelings of wellbeing. Make the most of unplugging by spending your newfound free time with real people in your local community who share your interests. Whether you’re into yoga, live music, hiking, or something really unique like underwater hockey, there’s a Meetup group waiting for you.
Last modified on December 4, 2023
