We are constantly buried in our phones (and I do mean constantly). Our dependency on technology has become so bad that our ability to communicate with each other face-to-face is fading fast.
It is a pet-peeve of mine when I am trying to have a conversation with someone and they are not paying any attention. Why? Their phone comes first.
Or how about this: You are walking with someone and they just can’t seem to go faster than five steps per minute. Why? Their phone can’t wait.
I try not to use my phone while walking or as a way to fill time when I feel awkward or uncomfortable because I don’t want to give off the impression that I am unapproachable. However, I am not innocent of these things. I, too, am terribly addicted to my devices.
The National Day of Unplugging was recently hosted from March 1-2: 24 hours without a single screen, just like the olden days. This project was put together by Reboot, who came up with this idea based on the idea of the Sabbath. One day to relax, get away, connect with others, and appreciate the world around you. If you take the pledge on the website, they will allow you to download a free tool kit to help you stay true to this challenge. Some people even choose to host an unplug event!
So go ahead! If you want to give your eyes a break, learn to look forward instead of down at a screen, or simply want to prove to yourself that you can do it—take the pledge!
And ask yourself this question: Do you have what it takes to unplug?