Pledge to Unplug This March!

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Pledge to Unplug This March!

March 1, 2018Family Violence Prevention, Healthy Relationships, Stress ManagementBy ALLIANCEfor Children

With Spring just around the corner, it’s definitely time to get outside and step away from technology. In addition to giving you time to explore new activities and fun outdoor hobbies, “unplugging” boasts many advantages for individuals, couples and families. Learn about the signs of being over-connected and commit to setting aside side time for “unplugging” in March!

Are you over-connected?

84% of cell phone users claim they could not go a single day without their device.
67% of cell phone owners check their phone for messages, alerts, or calls — even when they don’t notice their phone ringing or vibrating.
88% of U.S. consumers use mobile devices as a second screen even while watching television.
Traditional TV viewing eats up over six days (144 hours, 54 minutes) worth of time per month.

Detrimental Effects of Being Over-Connected

From drawing into depression and isolation to being too busy on your cellphone or watching television to read a book with your children, being over-connected can be a major strain on families and relationships, in addition to personal health.

Constantly checking or watching a screen meaning you’re always “on” and your brain never gets a moment to process thoughts and decompress. Similarly, always being on social media causes feelings of jealousy and inferiority that can manifest into emotions like anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. Strained relationships are common signs of being over-connected. Couples draw away from each other and families spend less quality time with each other when screens and technology offer constant distraction.

What is unplugging?

From checking multiple social sites to constantly using devices like cell phones, iPads and more, we are constantly interrupted and failing to engage in real time with ourselves and the world around us. “Unplugging” gives us a chance to have an uninterrupted meal, connect with friends, family and be an active part of your community. This month, try unplugging your electronic devices and start living a different life – If only for a few hours, a day or a mini-vacay!

National Day of Unplugging is March 9

During this 24-hour GLOBAL respite from technology, individuals make a pledge to unplug to connect with themselves, loved ones and our comminutes in real time. Continues from sundown on March 9, 2018 through sundown on March 10, 2018.

Learn more at NationalDayofUnplugging.com.