Lets Unplug: How to Really Disconnect from Technology

 We're currently living in the "Digital Age". Smart phones rule the word and artificial intelligence (AI) is something we suddenly have to worry about to protect our lively hood. It can be easy to get caught up in it all and experience feelings of constant dread and anxiety. Taking away the enjoyment of life. 

Photo: Mia Rotell

So how do we stay grounded in an increasingly techno riddled world?

One way to do it is stay off any and all technology. I know, saying to get off technology in order to get away from technology isn't a ground breaking claim, but it's true.  According to Althea Need Kaminske at Learning Scientists, smart phones cause anxiety, depression, lack of sleep, neck problems, and a feeling of disconnect. However reducing screen time for the week caused better sleep, anxiety and depression to be reduced significantly and those who were on their phone less felt much for in touch with everyone around them.

Another way is to spend more time outside and get in touch with mother nature. Spending time outside weather it be by yourself or with others is a great way to get back in touch with yourself and rid of any anxieties and depression you may be feeling. Whether it be a walk, a jog, spending time with loved ones, or just sitting in the grass. Taking some time away from all that is digital to surround yourself with trees, birds the sun and blue sky will do you wonders.

There is a current stigma about phones that any fun to have can only be had on there. Bored? Go on your phone, watch YouTube, play a game, go on a social media app, or watch a streaming service. While that may be true to a certain extent there are still plenty of entertaining things to do off the phone. Before smartphones and technology were all the rage people read books. Though it may be an outdated form of media and entertainment, books are a great way to unplug. There are millions of them to choose from with a plethora of different genres. From mystical lands with wizards to books about World War II, it is almost impossible not to find something of interest. They are a great way to unwind, let your imagination fly and take a break from reality for a while. All of the rewards with none of the reaps.

Having a hobby is another amazing way to disconnect. It may be the most effective way to really fully unplug and let anything with a screen go (unless your hobby includes a screen). Picking up hobbies have many benefits. According to Organ Counseling hobbies improve sleep, lower stress, increase social connection and increase happiness levels overall. Some great hobbies include crocheting, photography, painting, writing, playing an instrument, hiking, the list goes on. 

All in all if you ever feel stressed out, overwhelmed depressed or anxiety ridden about the up rise of artificial intelligence or whether life has just got you down, try unplugging for a few hours a day and watch your life transform. 

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Refrences

https://www.learningscientists.org/blog/2022/4/20-1

https://oregoncounseling.com/article/how-hobbies-benefit-our-mental-health/#:~:text=Having%20a%20hobby%20can%20be,work%20performance%2C%20and%20increased%20happiness.