THE WORLD IS BEAUTIFUL

by **Paul** Fri 01 Mar 2024, 6:57 am

4 - National Today * National Day of Unplugging – March 1, 2024 * Mar_110

Do you have multiple cell phones? Constantly Snapchatting every move and find it hard to get through a meaningful conversation without adding to your story? We increasingly miss out on the valuable moments of our lives as we pass the hours with our faces buried in our iPhones, documenting our every move through social media and shielding ourselves from the outside world, where real connections happen. If you notice these mannerisms in yourself – or your friends & family, it may be worth committing to the Global Day of Unplugging. It is a 24 hour period – running from sundown to sundown which starts on March 1. Take this day to carve out precious time to unplug, relax, reflect, be active, visit the outdoors, and connect with loved ones.

NATIONAL DAY OF UNPLUGGING MEDIA COVERAGE

National Day of Unplugging — WMYD (Detroit, MI)

National Day of Unplugging — KFMB (San Diego, CA)

National Day of Unplugging — NEWS8 (Washington, D.C.)

National Day of Unplugging — WTKR (Norfolk, VA)

National Day of Unplugging — WXYZ (Detroit, MI)

National Day of Unplugging — WZZM (Grand Rapids, MI)

National Day of Unplugging — WDAF (Kansas City, MO)

4 - National Today * National Day of Unplugging – March 1, 2024 * Unplug10

4 - National Today * National Day of Unplugging – March 1, 2024 * Unplug11

4 - National Today * National Day of Unplugging – March 1, 2024 * Unplug12

FULL RANKING: WHEN DO YOU SPEND THE MOST TIME CHECKING YOUR PHONE?
#1: When I wake up (32%)
#2: When I’m in bed going to sleep (26%)
#3: On work breaks (20%)
#4: In the bathroom (10%)
#5: On my morning commute (4%)
#6: While hanging out with friends (4%)
#7: While walking (4%)

IN OTHER WORDS…
For 58% of Americans, bed is the most popular time to check their phone.

WHICH DEVICE DO YOU SPEND THE MOST TIME ON?
#1: Smartphone (76%)
#2: Computer (17%)
#3: Tablet (7%)

MEN CARE SLIGHTLY MORE THAN WOMEN ABOUT THEIR SOCIAL MEDIA IMAGE
5% of women say they closely monitor how many “likes” they get on social media, compared to 7% of men who say the same.

NATIONAL DAY OF UNPLUGGING ACTIVITIES

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Put Your Phone in a Box for 24 Hours

That's right. Challenge yourself to leave your phone unattended for a full 24 hours. See how much you're able to focus on being present, and in the moment of things without constant notifications distracting you.

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Throw a Dance Party

Dancing not only increases your endorphins, which boosts your mood, but it’s also a great form of cardiovascular exercise. Salsa it out, do the twist, or bust a move. You’ll be astonished at how much more energy you have after a few groove sessions.

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Volunteer to Help Others

Volunteering is not only good for the community, it’s good for your well-being too. Selfless acts of kindness have been linked to a longer life and reduced stress in humans. Boost your happiness levels today while unplugging!

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WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL DAY OF UNPLUGGING

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Powering-down removes unhealthy feelings of jealousy due to social media.

Research shows that 1 in 3 people feel worse after visiting social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, and overall more dissatisfied with their lives. To be honest, not every interaction with social media is a negative one. But typically, our own experience validates their research. Powering-down for a healthy period of time provides ample time to recalibrate oneself and refocus appreciation and gratitude for the lives we have been given, by living life presently.

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Unplugging combats the phenomenon of FOMO

FOMO – a.k.a. the fear of missing out.has been recognized as a recently emerging psychological disorder brought on by tech advances. Our social media streams are ever-populated with everything happening all around us. Within this constant stream of notifications, our fear of missing out continues to grow. Turning off social media and finding contentment in our present space is a healthy alternative.

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Life – at its best, is happening right in front of you

Every day is different from the last. These experiences rarely repeat themselves. Daily conversations are unfiltered and authentic. But if we are too busy with our noses buried in the latest Snapchat story feed, or constantly checking what’s trending on Twitter, we’re gonna miss all of it.

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