Unplug to relax outside

Okay, bear with us here.

Some of you might read “unplug” and immediately do the opposite of relax. But unplugging can mean different things to different people!

The benefits of technology cannot be understated. The Internet allows us to work from anywhere in the world. Our phones allow us to track our fitness progress. We can find directions anywhere with the push of a button, not to mention all of the fun games, TV shows, and movies that technology allows us to access at any time.

But as with most things in life, balance is key.

Take a second to look around the next time you find yourself on public transportation or sitting in a waiting room. What do you see?

Likely, you’ll see almost everyone around you staring down at their phone. There’s nothing inherently wrong with this, especially in a boring waiting room. But what happens if you’re in a place where keeping your head down actually causes you to miss something awesome?

That’s what we mean by unplugging to relax. When you go outside, whether to a beach or a park or some other public space, don’t be afraid to take a tech break.

Unplugging could be as simple as turning your phone on silent or flipping it over so you can’t see the screen. Maybe you want to designate “30 minutes of phone away time” so you can enjoy your friend’s company undistracted.

When (if… ) you do unplug, notice what happens.

Sometimes you don’t even realize that you haven’t looked up from your device in hours and just the act of lifting your head can feel like a relief. Your line of vision expands and you start looking at the scenery around you: Maybe it’s the vastness of the lake if you’re at a beach, or maybe it’s the hidden intricacies of the woods if you’re at a park. You might even see your friend’s face and remember what they look like! Okay, we’re joking, but you know what we mean.

It might feel weird initially, but trust us. Unplugging, even for a few minutes, can be more relaxing than even the best of naps.