In today’s instant gratifying world, we find ourselves more inpatient than ever.

Faster internet connection.     Two-day delivery.     Smart phones.     Ask Siri.     Online Shopping.

Endless Netflix series/movies.      Ask Alexa.     Receive an Uber driver with a click of a button.

Using Yelp for restaurants galore.     Dating applications for any religion, sex, age.     

E-books.     E-commerce.     Downloading music.     Emails.     

Wireless connections.     YouTube Videos.     Bluetooth.

It is no wonder that being completely unplugged is difficult for so many people.  The time of relaxing is hard to envision with all of the resources available at our finger tips.

Can you remember the last time you didn’t look at your phone the entire day?

If so, that is pretty impressive.  As Dr. Larry Rosen says, our cell phone use has become an obsession.  This obsession is apparent in the way we have to check our phones every 5 minutes to make sure we did not miss anything.  Same goes for computers.  Most households in the US, if not all, probably have a computer and/or tablet with internet connection.  Staying connected is imperative to feel up-to-date with family, friends, and the world around us.

Part of the issue of unplugging is the feeling of boredom.  We are constantly keeping busy, which is why we feel instant boredom when our phones are not available or the power goes out.  Researchers found that boredom is important in children’s development because it allows for the child’s imagination to grow.  I’m Bored…Why Boredom is Important to Your Child’s Development by Rich Presta is a quick read and informative about why unplugging is crucial.

So how can we unplug and learn to center ourselves? 

Simply by turning off our devices.  Sounds easy enough, right?  Nowadays, making a conscious decision in unplugging throughout the day needs to be implemented in our daily routine.  We have become too comfortable with relying on our phones and have to make the decision of putting them away.  I will tell you that I have implemented this into my own life.  I was sick of coming home, making dinner, and either sitting in front of a TV and/or using computer/phone/tablet.  I have come to think of it as “a tablet away keeps clarity in my day”.  Cheesy?  Maybe so, but it works!

Once you have made the conscious decision of unplugging, it is time to learn how to enjoy the simple things.  Think back to when you felt happy without any electronic device.  Been awhile?  Close your eyes and immerse yourself in that time.  Does anything come to mind?  Maybe….

The time you went for a walk on a beautiful day.

Laying on the beach with the warmth of the sun on your face and the sound of the ocean in the background.

Sitting in front of a fire with great company and playing a game.  

Or simply, taking the time to read a book.

Once you have thought of a time without devices use that as your starting point.  Scheduling would be the next step.  Make the time for boredom by scheduling either daily and/or weekly things to do without your device.  Some suggestions include adult coloring books, board games, taking a hot bath, arts & crafts, painting/drawing, cooking, baking, sitting outside, running, riding a bike, roller blading, taking a walk, volunteering, exercising, stretching, yoga, meditation, playing cards, journaling etc.

Whatever you choose to incorporate into your everyday life to help you unplug will bring you one step closer to finding peace of mind and relaxation.

“Possessions, outward success, publicity, luxury – to me these have always been contemptible. I believe that a simple and unassuming manner of life is best for everyone, best for both the body and the mind.”

-Albert Einstein