It has been almost a year since the world was changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and at this point, we are all undoubtedly growing tired of it.
There have been so many changes and one of them is that everything is now online. Our jobs, classes and hangouts are all over Zoom or FaceTime and it’s increasing everyone’s screen time. Too much screen time can affect a person’s sleep, increase anxiety and affect the brain. Although all this screen time isn’t necessarily our fault, sometimes, we have to step away. Thankfully, there are ways in which we can unplug and forget about technology just for a little while.
Go outside
One great way to unplug is to simply go outside. Going outside is a great way to unplug because not only does it get you away from your phone screen, but you can also get some vitamin D into your body. Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin and is mostly produced by the body when sunlight hits the skin. You can stay away from your phone by taking a walk around the block or simply sitting outside and soaking up the sun for a bit.
Meditate
Another way to unplug is to meditate. Meditating is the habitual process of training your mind to focus and redirect your thoughts. Meditating is known to reduce stress, control anxiety and benefit one’s overall emotional health. Some use meditation as a way of increasing their awareness of themselves and their surroundings. Others use it as a way of developing concentration. No matter what you want to use meditating for, it is a sure way to get you away from your phone for a while.
Manage your time
Now, unplugging from your technological devices doesn’t always have to mean something complex. Sometimes, it can be as simple as creating a schedule for yourself that will prevent you from going overboard on your screen time. We spend hours looking at a screen for school and work, and then, we transition to social media for hours on our phones or we become victim to binge-watching Netflix shows. Time management is necessary if the goal is to unplug. Set limits to how much you watch or how much you are susceptive to social media. Perhaps having plans after doing online school is the way to go. After finishing an online class, plan to do a workout or talk to your family and friends. Schedule time that is away from the screens.
Overall, unplugging during a pandemic is not easy. At this point, everything we know is virtual and it’s difficult to pull away. However, steering away from the bright screens is beneficial and will be better for you in the long run.
