How to Unplug and Create a More Fulfilling Life
Updated: Apr 27, 2022
All of the digital devices we use on a daily basis have become an integral part of our lives. We can barely live without them. But that doesn’t make it easy to unplug. When we do, our minds and bodies feel overwhelmed with the need to check email, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. They're all telling us what to do, what to eat, who's in town and how much money is in our bank accounts.
It's time for a change. It's time to reject this idea that everything has to be done now. It's time to remember that life is happening right now and not just when we’re looking at it through some screen. It's time to take back your life and regain control of your days by freeing yourself from the tyranny of technology.
The Need for Balance
When you have access to your phone, laptop, tablet and television all day, it's easy to lose track of yourself. You're constantly checking in with social media or watching Netflix instead of doing something more productive.
We need to balance our digital lives with the real one. We need to make sure we still live a fulfilling life when we're not plugged in. So how do you unplug? Sure, it's easy to put your phone down for an hour or two and do something else, but can you go an entire week without looking at your phone?
The easiest way is just to turn the notifications off on your devices. That will stop most of the temptation. But if you want a more drastic change, there are plenty of ways you can go about it:
How to Stop the Cycle of Technology
There are many ways to disconnect from technology and create a more fulfilling life. There are also many apps that can help with it. Some of the most popular ones include:
* Self-Control: This app blocks certain websites for a set amount of time, which helps you limit your time on them.
* Freedom: This app blocks certain apps for a set period of time.
* StayFocusd: This tool limits your time on social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
* Moment: This app can help you track how much time you spend on different activities throughout the day so that you're not glued to your phone all day long.
Be Present in the Moment
We're all guilty of looking at our phones every chance we get. But it's time to break free from the addiction and start being present in the moment. You need to live in the now, not just check in with it occasionally.
It may not seem like much, but you can make a difference by simply choosing to live your life without technology when you are at home or out for the day. It's not that difficult, either.
When you feel the urge to check your phone, do something else instead. If you're sitting down reading a book and want to get up, put your book down and go for a walk - don't pick up your phone first! We easily forget that there are other things happening around us when we get wrapped up in our screens.
Being present isn't just about immersing yourself in what's going on around you - it's also about taking time for yourself . This might sound selfish, but it is anything but! Taking time for yourself will make you more productive once you do return to work or other obligations.
There are many ways to take time for yourself - try meditating, exercising or spending quality time with friends and family members. These activities will keep you grounded and happy so that when you come back to work or your devices again, they don't overwhelm you as much.
Think About What You Really Want Out of Life
One of the best ways to take back your life is by thinking about what you want out of life.
Do you want to be more creative? Do you want to travel more? Do you want to spend more time with family and friends? Whatever it is, write it down.
It can be as specific or vague as you need. For example, "spend as much time as possible with my niece" or "I want to constantly feel like a child."
Once you have that list, start looking for ways technology is standing in your way of getting those things done. This could include anything from your phone use, the amount of time you spend on social media, how much time you're spending on your laptop at home instead of outside or even how much TV you watch.
Once this list has been created, start making changes one at a time - figure out what one thing you can do differently and then make that change.
Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is one of the easiest and most important ways to combat the stress of technology. One way to make sure you're getting enough sleep is by setting a bedtime and sticking to it. It's also important to avoid checking your devices after 9pm. That will allow you to get the full 8 hours, plus give yourself time in the morning before work or school if you need it.