The Ultimate Guide to Unplugging

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO: NPLUGGING Bombarded by emails? Stressed out about social media? Unplugging (aka taking a brief vacation from the Internet, social media, email, texting, or whatever technologies get your goat) may be just what the doctor ordered. Read on to learn how to make it happen as painlessly as possible. Why Unplug? To take a break. To know yourself better. To flex creative muscles. To spend time with family & friends. To get better sleep. Banishing the Internet can lead to stronger, more fulfilling interpersonal connections. Bright lights from computer screens mess with circadian rhythms, making it hard for the body to shut down and go to sleep. How to Do It EMAIL Organize email settings so only the most essential and imortant stuff make it to the main inbox. Inbox (1) Starred Important Sent Out of Office Drafts Set up an automatic vacation response that includes the date you're coming back online, plus emergency contact information for those who need immediate help. SMARTPHONES It's ok to leave texts unanswered. If an app is really addicting (Facebook or Temple Run, anyone?), delete it from your phone. Enable the 'Do Not Disturb' setting, which silences all calls The Sabbath Manifesto app (for Blackberry, Android, and iPhone) automatically responds to texts or emails with a message explaining your technology break. and alerts while it's activated. SOCIAL MEDIA Log off Sign out or deactivate social media accounts - it'll take extra effort to fall off the wagon. Tips or Tricks to Unplug a Little Bit Every Day No phones in bed. Designate a "shut off" time. Focus on people. Take a mini-break. Out of sight, out of mind. Try following a "no phones at the table" rule at meals or at other social events. Try a brief vacation from technology by regaining composure with a quick meditation session or a walk Minimize distractions from smartphones by storing them in a drawer, bag, or in an out of the way spot. outdoors. Make it into a game: When dining out, stack everyone's cell phones face down on the table. The first person to check their phone has to pick up the check! Greatst SOURCES: http://notes.unwieldy.net/post/29796275100/the-future-is-not-real-time http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/26/technology/cutting-the-digital-lifeline-and-finding serenity. html?pagewanted-all&gwh-C4910C984F4EFAD38FBCABD0876FD606 http://dashes.com/anil/2012/07/jomo.html http://greatist.com/happiness/this-video-wil-convince-you-to-ditch-youoo80483/ http://www.sunset.com/home/natural-home/unplugging-lifestyle- http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/07/us-sleep-technology-idUSTRE7260RH20110307 http://www.fastcompany.com/3013178/unplug/why-youre-sleeping-with-your-smartphone http://theweek.com/artice/index/223137/how-the-phone-stack-s-civilizing-dinners-out-with-friends http://tombasson.wordpress.com/2011/08/29/7-ways-to-turn-off-technology-and-get-more-done/ http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110113082716.htm cell-phone •!