In the fast-paced world we live in, it’s crucial for busy families to find time to disconnect from digital devices and reconnect with each other. Here are five simple and practical ways to unplug and rejuvenate. Why not make an unplug pledge and register for this year’s Global Day of Unplugging.
1. Unplug to CONNECT
Purpose:
Strengthen relationships by dedicating time to loved ones.
Wellbeing Benefits:
Foster stronger relationships and emotional well-being through meaningful, undistracted social interactions.
- Plan a Family Night: Schedule a weekly family night where all digital devices are turned off. Use this time to talk, share stories, or simply enjoy each other’s company.
- Family Storytelling Evening: Set aside time on the first Saturday of March for everyone to share stories or read aloud, fostering family bonds and creating cherished memories without the need for digital distractions.
- Reconnect with Friends: Arrange a catch-up or a walk in the park with friends or extended family, leaving phones at home or in the car.
2. Unplug to CREATE
Purpose:
Channel creativity and complete pending projects.
Wellbeing benefits:
Enhances creativity, focus, and mental relaxation, leading to a sense of accomplishment and stress relief.
- Crafting with Kids: Engage in a crafting project with your kids. It could be as simple as making a scrapbook or painting rocks.
- Family DIY Project: Start a DIY project at home that everyone can contribute to, such as redecorating or rearranging a room or setting up a compost worm farm.
- Make a Device Sleeping Bag: Register for Global Day of Unplugging to receive a child-friendly sewing pattern to make a device sleeping bag to help you resist the temptation to pick up your device or controller.
3. Unplug to PLAY
Purpose:
Have fun and enjoy light-hearted activities as a family.
Wellbeing benefits:
Promotes joy, physical health, cognitive development, and social skills through fun and interactive activities.
- Board Game Nights: Replace movie nights with board game or puzzle nights. It’s a great way to have interactive fun and laughter.
- Outdoor Adventures: With the kids, pre-plan a trip to a park or nature reserve you’ve never visited before. As part of your research, make a game of ‘Spotto’ for natural and man-made landmarks.
- Build a Fort: Get creative at home by building a pillow fort or a cubby house.
4. Unplug to EXPLORE
Purpose:
Discover new places and experiences.
Wellbeing Benefits:
Offers mental stimulation, physical activity, stress relief, and cultural enrichment by experiencing new environments and places.
- Local Explorations: Visit a local museum, historical site, or a new café. Exploring your local community can be a treasure trove of new experiences.
- Nature Escapes: Spend a day in nature. Whether it’s a beach, forest, or mountain, nature has a way of grounding and calming the mind. Try walking barefoot on the earth and take some deep breaths.
- Plan a Day Trip: Choose a destination within driving distance for a day trip. It could be a small town, a national park, or a nearby city you’ve never explored.
5. Unplug to ENERGISE
Purpose:
Replace screen time with physical activity.
Wellbeing Benefits:
Improves physical health, mental clarity, emotional well-being, and sleep quality.
- Family Exercise: Go for a family bike ride, a jog, or a yoga session together. Exercise is more fun when done together.
- Design a Workout Circuit: Allocate each family member a station to design as part of a workout circuit. Create challenges and gamify the experience for a friendly family championship.
- Mindful Movement: On the hour, every hour during Global Day of Unplugging, practice mindfulness through movement such as Tai Chi, Yoga, breathing or stretching exercises. These not only energise the body but also calm the mind.
Find over 100 more Global Day of Unplugging activity ideas here.
Author: Trent Ray | Co-founder, Cyber Safety Prioject
