Unplug for a Day

Let’s Unplug

There is a growing movement to support each other in taking a technology break.  Why?

• 79% of people admit technology distracts them from connecting with each other. – Lasting app, 2018
• 98% can’t seem to get through the day without at least being interrupted a few times. – RescueTime 2018
• 99% of people still use their phones as an alarm clock. – Bagby, 2018

These numbers represent only a tiny snapshot of the alarming statistics emerging from research reports across the world.  The main point is, the unintended consequences of technology overuse result in addiction, eroding human connection and brain damage.

We can change this!  A baby step includes joining a National Day of Unplugging.  If you are in Canada, join the Canadian National Day of Unplugging on March 5-6, 2021, from 6pm March 5 to 6pm March 6.  MindEQuity has partnered with the Unplugged Collaborative to spread awareness and increase wellbeing for all participants.

If you are in the Greater Toronto Area, the first 120 people to sign up receive a free cell phone sleeping bag, designed by Jessica Tully.

Days of Unplugging

The first National Day of Unplugging launched in the United States in 2009.  Reboot, a Jewish arts and culture non-profit joined another community group who was gathering for tech-free Shabbat dinners.  They inspired thousands of community partners to create local unplugged events.  

For 24 hours, August 1-2, 2020, there was even a Global Day of Unplugging.  People from all over the world connected via a global sign off through a candle lighting ceremony. 

Yesterday, I spoke with Kim Cavallo who is now leading the Unplugged Collaborative.  She shared with me that the movement continues to grow.  “So far, over 200,000 have participated in events which are organized through local hosts.” Local organizers include non-profits, schools, religious institutions and businesses. 

Help Your Phones Sleep, Help You Sleep

When you put your phones in a cell phone sleeping bag, outside of your bedroom, you are taking a step to improve your sleep and long-term wellbeing.  A Harvard study* revealed that that there are six main reasons to get your phone out of the bedroom:

1. It will take you longer to fall asleep
2. It will mess with and delay your circadian clock rhythm
3. It will suppress your melatonin secretion when you need it most
4. It will decrease your REM sleep
5. It will make you more alert when you want to wind down
6.  You will feel more tired and less alert when you wake up

“Evening use of light-emitting eReaders negatively affects sleep, circadian timing, and next morning alertness.” Anne-Marie Chang, Daniel Aeschbach, Jeanne F. Duffy, and Charles A. Czeisler