Unplug Like a Canadian

A Canadian National Day of Unplugging

The countdown to the first Canadian Day of Unplugging is upon us.  Twenty-two days from today, corporate and non-profit teams become part of a world-wide community filled with people who want to have a healthier relationship with technology.

Make an ice sculpture like the one above from the Ice Sculpture Festival at Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada.

This movement is about getting the bug to unplug.  It is about testing out a new habit, to unplug for 24 consecutive hours at least once a month. Unplugging together is a small step teams can take to enable focus and improved wellbeing. The Center for Humane Technology recommends unplugging for 24 hours per week!

The idea of collective unplugging was born in the US as an awareness campaign. The US National Day of Unplugging has been around for more than 10 years and is now a project of Unplug Collaborative, a non-profit, membership organization formed in February 2020. 

Why unplug?

Do any of these pain points resonate with you?  

If yes, you can benefit from unplugging.  Give your brain a break from screens. Delete the blue light, back aches, shoulder tension, neck cricks, eye strain and mental busyness that accompany tech time. A tech free break is a simple step in improving overall wellbeing. 

Are any of these 21st century phrases part of your life?

If the answer to either of the above questions is yes, we invite you to unplug for 24 hours this March, from Friday, 6pm EST March 5 until Saturday 6pm EST March 6.  If you haven’t already done so, register here.

How can you begin to unplug?  

All you need to start is somewhere to put your device. You can use an empty box or basket, a piece of tupperware with a lid, or a cell phone sleeping bag.

Canadian Ideas for Unplugging  

It is winter and snowing in most of Canada these days.  Get active outdoors. Play and wander without WiFi. Before participating in any of these activities, please check current COVID restrictions in place.

1. Play hockey! Picture above, Banff, Alberta

2. Connect with horses at Horse Spirit Connections.

3. Snowshoe with Free Spirit Tours near Toronto. 

4. Ice Fish at Island Lake, Ontario

Read Canadian Authors on Related Topics

Jeff Warren co-authored this book. It embarks on a cross-country quest to tackle the myths, misconceptions, and self-deceptions that keep people from meditating.

Jeff also runs the Consciousness Explorers Club in Toronto, Ontario.

This book shows us how noticing and reflecting on our habits, behaviors, patterns, we can all learn to leverage curiosity and expand our awareness.  

Catherine Harrison is in Toronto, Ontario.

This book helps readers concentrate more deeply, think more clearly, and work and live more deliberately.

Chris Bailey is based in Ottawa, Ontario.