Let's Start with National Unpluging Day

The internet keeps us connected to the world around us. Smartphones, Wi-Fi, and other innovations help us stay on every day for 24 hours. As such, many people are now able to know what the world is miles away. However, many of us forget that they need some time off from their digital devices with this connection. Connecting with other people around us is also important, just as connecting with those far away.

Many relationships are now suffering because everyone is on their phones. And the environment is not left behind. If we could leave our electrical equipment for some time and concentrate on ourselves and building relationships with people around us, we could also be helping our environment. This is why the National Day of Unplugging was created to help people do these things often. Learn more about this practice and how to do it.

Brief History of the Day of Unplugging

It was started back in 2003 by a non-profit Jewish community called Reboot. However, even if you’re not Jewish or a member of any religious group, you can still benefit from it. The aim was to challenge people to put their electronic devices aside for 24 hours and concentrate on themselves, their family, and their friends. Reboot believes that by spending time away from our systems, we can be contented, happier, and learn to focus on the most important things.

How Do I Celebrate the Day of Unplugging?

Well, the virtual matrix has become an integral part of our lives. To celebrate this day, you need to stay disconnected from your devices. That means powering off your computer, leaving your tablet or smartphone at home, and avoid logging in to your social media for 24 hours. So, what will I be doing all this while? You can take a walk in the park and observe the animal’s behavior. Or you can go for a coffee with a friend or spend time outdoors with your family. The most important thing to remember is that you shouldn’t use your phone while doing these activities. It’s why individuals are encouraged to shut them off as it’ll help them relax and have a pleasurable experience.

What Are the Benefits of Powering Down?

1. Deal with/Prevent Technology Addiction

Addiction is not easy to deal with. And many people unknowingly are addicted to their devices. It’s why it’s hard for them to stay offline. But, we also need to focus on building the life around us. This is impossible if we cannot switch off and concentrate on the things that matter.

2. Balances Creation and Consuming

We spend most of our time creating and consuming. Technology contributes more to complete. For example, this article was ‘created’ on a computer. However, most time is spent on finishing through playing video games, watching movies, browsing the internet, or listening to music. But the world needs more creating than consuming. And that’ll require your passion, solution, and creativity. Powering down can, therefore, help you to start contributing to make the world a better place.

3. Focus on the Life around You

Even though the world is ever-changing, the nature of life isn’t. The most incredible experiences happen around you, and they do not repeat themselves. But it can be hard to notice the love around us and focus on the conversations around us if we’re always busy on our screens.

Sure, some online resources can help us grow and evolve. Plus, we get a chance to make more connections. But, even though this is true, nothing can replace the face to face interaction. The experience of talking to another person eye-to-eye without the screen is incredible. The most fulfilling relationships and connections are those that happen around us. So, why spend too much time overlooking them?

4. Can Help Us Find Solitude

Solitude connects us to our world. It’s a chance to give us the stillness and quietness required for evaluating our life and what matters in it. But solitude isn’t easy to find in a connected world. With the loud and quick noise from outside, it is often easy to overlook solitude. It’s why shutting off from these noises by powering down is essential in finding solitude.

5. Helps Reduce the Fear of Missing Out

The Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) is today considered a psychological disorder. The increase in technology addiction mainly causes it. People showcase every detail of their lives on social media. From the food they eat, the places they visit, their new jobs, etc. Now, for some people, these notifications make them feel left out. Unplugging helps us to live in the moment and be content with our lives.

6. Helps Remove Jealousy, Loneliness, and Envy

According to research, out of every three Facebook users, 1 one feels unhappy and dissatisfied with their life after using the app. While using Facebook will not give you a negative experience always, this is bound to happen sometimes. The social media comparison cycle is the most significant impact of social media. You see people living their best lives going on vacations and spending large sums of money on Facebook, Tiktok, and Instagram. And this can make you feel envious even if you don’t want to. Therefore, taking some time off from these apps can help you have more gratitude and focus on your life. You’re able to remember how happy life is even without the screens.

FOMO vs JOMO

Tips to Help You Unplug

With our ever-connected world, it can be challenging to balance the online and the physical world. If you need help in unplugging, here are some tips for you.

Start Your Day Differently– purpose not to check your phone during the first waking hour. After all, the world did not stop for the hours you were asleep. Instead, during this hour, focus on meditating and planning your day.

Set a Power Down Period Every Day choose a time of the day that you’ll intentionally unplug. It can be the first hour of waking up or the last hour or during lunch, before dinner, etc. Just decide on a period that works for your specific lifestyle and make sure that you are disciplined.

Deal with the Time Wasters– several tools can help you manage your time online. For example, if you want help disconnecting from the internet after a specific period, you can use the Freedom app. There’s also the Self-control app that you can use for blocking your specified websites like Twitter, Gmail, etc., for a specific period. However, you’ll still access the rest of the web. This app is best for dealing with Facebook addiction.

Take Long Breaks Frequently– we’ve talked about taking an hour off your screens. But, individuals also need to take an extended break occasionally. You can stay for a weekend, a week, or 40 days without logging into your social media. Pick something that works for you.

Note that while digital minimalism is essential, it is not easy. But, once we master it, we can fully enjoy the life around us. What’s important is to make a decision and have discipline.

The Negative Effects of Technology

Staying on our screens for too much has been linked to various physical and psychological problems, including.

  • Depression, stress, and anxiety
  • Emotional issues
  • Sleep problems
  • Musculoskeletal issues
  • Digital eye strain
FOMO 2

How Much Screen Time Should My Kids Have?

Adults are always glued to their phones. Now, because kids learn from the environment around them, they’ve modeled this behavior as well. But, too much screen time in kids is said to cause behavioral problems, less socializing with other children, obesity, violence, and sleep problems.

A study conducted by The American Academic of Pediatrics (APP) concluded that more research is needed to determine screen time’s cognitive and behavioral risks in children, especially babies, toddlers, and pre-school kids. But, another study published in the Journal of American Association (JAMA) showed a significant impact in the development of the brain for kids between 3-5 years of age who were allowed more than the recommended screen time. So, it begs the question, how much is too much?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children between 8-10 years spend 6 hours/day on the screen averagely, while those aged 11-14 spend nine hours each day and teens of ages 15-18 spend 71/2 hours per day on the screens.

Screen Time Advice for Kids According to Age.

Infants

Screens should be off-limit for infants aged between 0-2. That’s because their minds are developing rapidly. As such, all learning should be given through personal contact. Parents are encouraged to offer more books and allow much time to sing and play. It’s all about engaging with them on a personal level. We encourage you to design a playroom and avoid placing a TV in these rooms, even in the background, as it can interfere with their playing and interaction. The aim is to teach your child to focus on one thing at a time. Therefore, a distraction in the background can take away their attention from the game they’re playing, the book they’re reading, or the picture they’re trying to draw.

Toddlers

When a child turns 2, (toddler) he/she can quickly learn words from a person talking on a live video chat. However, parents need to watch the content with them and re-teach it to them.

Age 3-5

APP recommends an hour at most of the screen time for kids ages 3-5.  However, pediatricians advise parents to choose only apps that are developed with input. Otherwise, they might end up doing more harm than good.

Kids Going to School and Adolescents

If you have a school-going child, you should watch TV with them and monitor their screen use. Parents are encouraged to help them create a balance between using screens and other aspects of life. Experts recommended allowing only 15 minutes for every screen time hour for teens. And that they should only be allowed for 2 hours a day.

The screens are very interactive. They can help awaken a child’s mind better than a book. However, they come with some risks too. For instance, they can prevent your child from sleeping. According to research, too much screen time can negatively affect a person’s sleep quality. The blue light emitted from the screens can prevent one from falling asleep.

So, can my teenager still use a phone as an alarm? Well, it depends on your child. For example, if he/she is doing well both at school, home, and socially, and you trust them, then allowing them to have a phone beside their bed is quite acceptable. But with children who are easily distracted or they’re struggling with sleep or too caught up with chatting with friends and using social media, it might not be a good idea to allow them to have a phone in their bedroom.

Screen Time Recommendation for Kids

  • 0-2 years- No screen time
  • 2-5 years- Strictly 1 hour per day
  • 5-17 years- 2 hours per day without including homework.

What Are the Benefits of Using the Internet for Kids?

A lot of information about the internet focuses on the negatives. But, if used right, it can also be a positive thing. Here is how your child can benefit from being online.

Make more friends- if your child has trouble dealing with social situations, online interaction can reduce their isolation. These interactions can even help some children gather the confidence of interacting offline.

Keep in touch– for families that aren’t always together, maybe the parents are separated, or the grandparents are far away, the internet can help them feel close to each other. Frequent video chats and picture sharing can help them stay connected when they can’t see each other in person.

Find help– there’s not enough evidence to prove that the internet contributes to mental health issues. Some people dealing with problems quickly find help from online forums. The Mix, for example, is an online community for teens and adults that helps them access information and share their feelings and struggles anonymously at the comfort of their homes.

Increase creativity– there are online resources for all fields that one might be interested in. Whether music, art, writing, poetry, etc., an online practice can help you be more creative. Individuals can start a blog or follow their favorite artists on social media to get started.

Stay organized– many schools today post assignments online hence helping your child to manage their time. Plus, there are many apps designed to help children and families be organized. Check them out and see what works for your family.

Learn– although there’s a lot of debate on the effects of using devices in the classroom, there are many technological improvements that can help your child learn. Programs like Mathletics, for instance, can be used for practicing math.

Get ahead– many jobs nowadays, if not all, require one to have a degree or some technical skill. As such, computing is a crucial element that helps us to get comfortable with technology and the online world. Computing is now being taught in many schools like other disciplines, including English and Maths.

Supports people with Disabilities and Special Needs– Technology is advancing even for these people. Plus, even with the technology that wasn’t developed for people with disabilities, it can still benefit them. For instance, if your child has autism, you can let them play Minecraft with other kids as it’ll help them improve their communication and ability to work as a team.

It’s fun- when the internet is used moderately and responsibly, it can be engaging and entertaining even for kids.

The Side Effects of Too Much Technology

adiction to media

Now, for every benefit we’ve listed above, there is a drawback. This easy access to information creates a door for misinformation. There are all kinds of people online, from genuine to fraud. Some people are looking to steal your personal information and resources. It’s why you should always protect your privacy.

While socialmedia influences people positively, it also has a ‘toxic mirror’ effect. This makes people feel that they’re not good enough as they’re constantly exposed to information that leads them to think negatively about themselves. Additionally, some people use these channels in ways that hurt the people around them. For example, there are stalkers, bullies, and trollers who run rampantly as individuals don’t have many resources to stop them. They hide behind an internet persona; hence it’s hard to take civil action against them.

The internet can also affect businesses negatively. Sure, there are many people and features that you could use to grow your business online. However, it makes advertising expensive, and some companies might be forced to increase their capital without an assurance that their sales will increase.

What Happens during the National Day of Unplugging?

Individuals put their phones aside for 24 hours. And determine their ability to focus on the present without constant notifications from their devices. During this time, you can throw a party with your family or friends or volunteer to help others.

What Products Are Good to Use During National Day of Unplugging?

  1. Ancient Clay Hydrating Bath Bomif relief of the mind and body is what you’re looking for, look no further. Apart from an appealing scent, this bath bomb containing a blend of bergamot and rose oil offers therapeutic benefits like elevating your mood, pain alleviation, and revitalization. It contains clay minerals that help get rid of toxins while soothing irritation. The product has fatty acids and antioxidants that help in moisture retention and the preservation of collagen. These ensure smooth, radiant skin naturally.
ADAMA BATH BOMBS BOX with 3 balls
  1. Hiking Kitcontains hydrating spray to refresh and re-hydrate your skin, BB cream to protect your skin from sunburns, and sun stick that’s perfect for touch-ups on the neck and the back of your hands. It also comes with a deodorant that is long-lasting to keep you fresh throughout your adventure. Also included is a repair cream if you come in contact with poison ivy, poison sumac, poison oak, or get bitten by a bed bug. Lastly, there’s a hand sanitizer for cleaning bacteria off your hands before you eat.
  1. Quarantine Self Care Kitincludes ancient clay vegan soap love, old clay hydrating bath bomb, and French Rose clay mask. As you can see, the kit has everything needed to give you a blissful spa at home.
qUARANTINE SELF-CARE KIT
  1. Kanwa Minerals Detox Tea– Kanwa clay has incredible minerals that help bind and absorb toxins in the colon, small intestine, and stomach. By so doing, they energize weak cells by releasing an ionic charge, which heals and stimulates your entire body. The product helps to get rid of toxins through the stool naturally. It also helps balance your stomach’s pH levels hence reducing stomach pain and ulcers.
  1. Kanwa Minerals Hibiscus Flower Tea– we’ve already talked about kanwa clay minerals’ benefits with the above product. What’s unique about this tea is that it contains hibiscus, highly concentrated with Vitamin C, antioxidants, and bioflavonoids. It’s why it is recommended in Ayurvedic treatment for various ailments. The tea has a tart and sweet cranberry flavor; hence you get a healthy, delicious drink that can be enjoyed hot or cold.
KANWA HIBISCUS-TEA

Turn off Those Electronics’ and Take a Relaxing and Needed Break with Zion Health Products

Being connected to everything has disconnected us from ourselves and the preciousness of this present moment.  Don’t you think you should get a break? An uninterrupted break from modern daily life with notifications buzzing, your head paining. Calm down and wish yourself a happy National Day of Unplugging by using Zion Health and Beauty Products.  Use this time to unwind and enjoy the silence.  Our teas, bath bombs, and kits can help balance your mind, body, and spirit.  Also, your mind can rest easy knowing that all Zion Health products are vegan, organic, contain no parabens, are made with all-natural ingredients and are cruelty-free. 

Final Thoughts

There are many benefits we can get from the internet. However, it also comes with some negatives. What’s essential is to use it moderately and responsibly. Take some time off to unplug from all these connections and focus on what and who is critical to the life around you.

Stay Up to Date with the Latest News That Your Mind, Skin and Body Can Use

Check out some of our other blog posts for useful information when it comes to unplugging your electronics, to focus and reconnect with life around you. 

During this National Day of Unplugging, why not try some deep breathing exercises, that can eliminate stress and help calm your body?  Read more about it in our blog on What Are the Benefits of Deep Breathing?

Essential Oils have been a proven method to help you relax and clam your mind.  Learn more by reading our blog, The Surprising Benefits of Essential Oils

Recommended Products by Zion Health: