Weekend Challenge: Unplug for 3 Hours
In this media-drenched, multitasking, always-on age, many of us have forgotten how to unplug and immerse ourselves completely in the moment. We have forgotten how to slow down. Not surprisingly, this fast-forward culture is taking a toll on everything from our diet and health to our work and the environment.
-Carl Honore
In 2013, media doyennes Arianna Huffington, Cindi Leive and Mika Brzezinski did a seven-day unplug challenge that involved limiting time on social media and emails. That was five years ago. And that may be too much, too soon for some of you.
So, readers, on the first weekend of March, we challenge you to do exactly what it says above: unplug for 3 hours. Not one (too easy). Not two (that’s like not checking your phone in the cinema–easy). But three–almost an entire afternoon. We’ve already explained the dangers of too much screen time. With the three-hour challenge, you can ease your way into it.
Three hours of totally unplugging. This means no mobile phones; no laptop; no tablet; no TV; no video games. You will totally unplug from all electronics that involve a screen. Leave your phone at home, if necessary. Live like your parents and grandparents lived.
Here’s a list of what you can do instead:
- Take up the hobby you’ve always wanted to try, whether it’s knitting, photography, painting or leather crafting. Check out bullet journaling too. See if there are any classes where you can enrolled.
- Go on a road trip–you’re not supposed to text or take a phone call anyway. Totally unplug when you’re there.
- Make a cup of coffee (or tea or any comforting hot beverage) and curl up with a good book. Maybe take an afternoon nap.
- Go on a hike or walk with friends in a nearby trail.
- Prepare a slow-cooked meal, and invite a friend or two over to enjoy it with you. Or, if you don’t know how to cook, now might be the time to perfect at least one recipe.
- Use three hours to bond with your significant other, a family member, or a friend.
- Redecorate your room.
- De-clutter and clean at least one room in your house: your closet, your home office, your kitchen.
- Look for awesome volunteer opportunities–whether it’s a community clean-up, teaching kids how to read, or feeding the homeless.
- Treat yourself to an afternoon in the spa.
Use these three hours to do something you’ve always wanted to do; try replicating it again next weekend. Let us know how it goes for you!
This story originally appeared on Ideiya. We at Ideiya believe in mental health awareness, wellness, sustainability, and substance abuse recovery.
