5 Ways To Unplug This National Unplugging Day!
We all need a break sometimes
National Day of Unplugging is an awareness campaign that promotes a 24-hour respite from technology annually observed March 4th-5th.
Here at Keyboard Specialists we have come up with 5 ways you can make the most of unplugging this year and give yourself some well needed downtime that is vital for looking after your mental health. Not only on national unplugging day, but on any day of the year.
We know how important technology is to get through the day, but we challenge you to steer clear of it for a whole 24 hours and see what positive effects it has on you. Use this day to relax, spend time with loved ones, get outdoors, be active and unplug.
Focus On Being In The Present Moment
In our current twenty-first century lives, there is always something to do or somewhere to be. Given the fast pace of our lives, anxiety, stress, depression and unhappiness is at a record high. We are too consumed in future uncertainties or past pains, that we forget to be here, living in the now. You can only truly live in the present, when the future comes you can only experience it in the present moment.
The most effective way to practice being in the moment is through meditation and mindfulness. The act of sitting still and observing your breath whilst breathing deeply, slows your mind, heart rate and helps you to find peace amidst a chaotic day. To learn more about the importance of meditating and the endless positive effects it has on your mind and body, click here.
Get Outdoors
Nature is a magical thing that can ground you and leave you with a sense of calm and peace. Sun, fresh air, trees, and flowers have wonderful healing effects on your mind and body. By releasing anxiety, it boosts your immune system and increases anti-cancer proteins. Spending time simply walking amongst nature reduces stress related hormones, cortisol and adrenaline which ultimately improves mental health.
Try and get out as much as possible, whether to walk the dog, spend time with family or even have some alone time amongst the trees.
Read a Book
Not only is reading a great way to stay entertained, it has huge benefits on your mood and mental health. A study from 2009, found that reading reduced stress by 70% and was more effective than listening to music or having a cup of tea.
Reading is like taking your brain to the gym, giving it a memory workout and strengthening your brain. Paying attention and following words helps build up your memory and vocabulary. This leads to better conversational skills which could help you in interviews, at work or school. Additionally, studies have shown that reading can improve our ability to emphasise with others by better understanding others feelings.
Get Active and Exercise
We all know the importance of physical exercise on your body. Especially when you run, serotonin and endorphins are released - these are the feel good chemicals in your brain. Exercise is a great way to boost your mood, give you a sense of success, improve your body and reduce stress.
Whilst active, your blood circulation to the brain is increased which alleviates stress and improves mood, letting you have more calm and control in responding to challenging situations. Exercise also improves your sleep, the chemicals that are released before and after working out relax your body and encourage deep sleep
Spend time with Friends and Family
Maintaining positive relationships is a necessary investment on your mental health. Not only are they fun, but they also have a huge impact on your mental and physical health by offering emotional support. Friends and family can boost your self esteem, promote a sense of belonging, help you deal with stress and grief.
Whether you meet a loved one for dinner, or just have regular phone calls, this can promote a sense of belonging and support that is important for maintaining positive mental health.
We hope we have been able to offer some inspiration for National Unplugging Day here at Keyboard Specialists! To find out more about us, click here.