Ditch the Screens, Find the Wild: Your Guide to the Global Day of Unplugging
You know that feeling when you reach for your phone and—gasp!—it’s not there? Mild panic. Then, a weird sense of freedom? That’s the magic we’re tapping into for the Global Day of Unplugging—a 24-hour invitation to step away from screens and step into something real, tangible, and, dare we say, thrilling.
What is the Global Day of Unplugging?
Since 2009, the Global Day of Unplugging (GDU) has been encouraging people to take a 24-hour break from technology, usually starting on the first Friday evening of March. This movement is rooted in mindfulness, connection, and rediscovering what life feels like when we’re not glued to a screen. (Spoiler: it feels pretty great.)
Why Should You Unplug?
Let’s be real—our tech habits are intense. Studies show that the average person checks their phone 96 times a day (yep, that’s once every 10 minutes). Our brains are buzzing, our eyes are strained, and we’re missing out on a whole world beyond the scroll. Unplugging resets your mind, lowers stress, improves sleep, and—here’s the best part—frees you up for genuine adventure.
How to Participate (And Actually Enjoy It)
Sure, you could turn your phone off and sit there, staring at the wall, but where’s the fun in that? Instead, try these uniquely fun ways to unplug:
1. Go on a ‘Blindfold Hike’ (Kind of)
No, we’re not suggesting you wander into the woods blindfolded (safety first, friends). Instead, go on a hike and take turns leading while your friend or partner closes their eyes for short stretches. It heightens other senses and makes the outdoors feel new again.
2. Have a ‘Lost Art’ Day
Write a letter, whittle wood, press flowers, or sketch a landscape. Anything your great-grandparents might’ve done on a lazy afternoon, give it a go.
3. Camp in Your Backyard (or Living Room)
(This is my personal favorite.) Set up a tent, light some candles, tell ghost stories, and pretend Wi-Fi never existed. Bonus points if you make s’mores.
4. Adopt a ‘Sit Spot’
Find one spot in nature (a park bench, a rock by a stream) and sit there for an hour. Just observe. Another option? Every hour on the hour, go to your ‘sit spot’ and capture in your mind the image you see. (Bonus if you have a film camera you can capture the images with.)
5. Join an Unplugged Meetup
Check out Global Day of Unplugging for events near you. Whether it’s a community hike, a yoga session, or a bonfire, sometimes unplugging is more fun with like-minded friends.
Keep the Unplugged Vibes Going
After 24 hours, your phone will still be there, but maybe—just maybe—you’ll reach for it a little less. Make unplugging a regular thing. Maybe it’s a Tech-Free Tuesday or Silent Sunday Mornings. Whatever it is, give your brain the fresh air it deserves.
You in? Power down, step outside, and see what the world looks like beyond the screen. (Spoiler: it’s pretty amazing.)
