6 Benefits To Getting Unplugged

Healthy Holiday Habit Hack #26: Get Unplugged

6 Benefits To Getting Unplugged. When you lose electricity do you  experience F.O.M.O. — Fear Of Missing Out?  I think it’s become an addiction for me like so many others, maybe even you. Of course, technology has lots of valuable  benefits. I use it every day… unless I travel to a place that doesn’t receive T-Mobile— then I feel naked and disconnected from my tribe. So why put it aside intentionally?

It is becoming increasingly obvious that our world is developing an unhealthy attachment to it. Out of the 7 billion people, 6 billion have a phone. Even people way under the poverty line have gotten into the craze, according to a study, 29% of people who earn $100 have phones, 56% of kids between 8-12 have phones and 91% of teenagers have phones. My kids started using cell phones as infants playing games and owned their own by the time they turned 10. Here are some powerful reasons to Unplug Our Technology:

1. Disconnecting helps remove unhealthy feelings of jealousy, envy, and loneliness. Researchers recently discovered that one in three people felt worse after visiting Facebook and more dissatisfied with their lives. From family happiness to body image to vacation destinations to the silly number of birthday greetings on a Facebook wall, the opportunity for envy presents itself often on social media. Powering-down for a period of time provides opportunity to reset and refocus appreciation and gratitude for the lives we have been given.

2. Disconnecting combats the fear of missing out. Scientifically speaking, the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) has been recognized as a recently emerging psychological disorder brought on by the advance of technology. The premise is simple. Our social media streams are ever-filled with everything happening all around us. Turning off social media and find contentment in our present space and place.

3. Solitude and stillness helps us get closer to the heart of our lives an quiet the messages that bombard us daily.

4. Life experiences (aka TIME) is unfolding right in front of you— don’t miss it by staring at your screen and watching other people enjoying life. Create your best life now, we have to stop putting things off! Set a date for something fun — now!

5. Disconnecting promotes creation over consumption. Essentially, most of our time is spent in one of two categories: consuming or
creating. Of course, technology can contribute to creating beautiful things like music, writing, artwork, etc. But most of the time we spend in front of technology is spent consuming (playing video games, browsing the Internet, watching movies, listening to music). Our world needs more creating and less consuming — do you agree? It needs our passion, solutions, and our unique contribution. Let’s be #differencemakers.

6. Disconnecting improves your relationships. There are valuable resources online to help us grow and evolve. I have certainly developed incredible relationships as a result of technology. I have made and created associations for my business thanks to Skype, WhatsApp, and FaceTime. But I still feel something entirely FITtastic about meeting face-to-face, and sharing a real hug versus an emoji or “XO.” The experience of looking another person in the eye without the filter of a screen. I like best, the relationships that grow as a result of joining together in experiences, whether a glass of wine, walking on the beach, volunteering for a cause or just being there to support one another on this crazy journey.

I intend to plug into LIFE (Living Intentionally Fearlessly Everyday) and power off technology more. How about you?

 

Check out these stats:

• 84% of cell phone users claim they could not go a single day without their device.
• 67% of cell phone owners check their phones for messages, alerts, or calls — even when they don’t notice their phone ringing or vibrating.
• Studies indicate some mobile device owners check their devices every 6.5 minutes.
• 88% of U.S. consumers use mobile devices as a second screen even while watching television.
• Almost half of cell owners have slept with their phone next to their bed because they wanted to make sure they didn’t miss any calls.
• Traditional TV viewing eats up over six days (144 hours, 54 minutes) worth of time per month.

SOURCES:

http://pewinternet.org/Reports/2012/Best-Worst-Mobile.aspx

http://www.businessinsider.com/a-majority-uses-mobile-as-second-screen-2013-5

Nielsen: TV Still King In Media Consumption; Only 16 Percent Of TV Homes Have Tablets