protect your peace

The Benefits of Unplugging and Disconnecting for Protecting Your Peace

I recently embarked on a 7-day cruise and I have to admit, it was one of the best experiences of my life. Sure, there were plenty of activities available on the boat and I enjoyed my fair share of them. But what made this trip so special for me was taking a break from technology – unplugging and disconnecting for a full 7 days.

It was so peaceful!

social media detox
Protecting my peace in Honduras 😊

It’s no secret that our digital world has taken over much of our lives. From the moment we wake up in the morning, we’re inundated with notifications and messages from our phones, computers, and other devices.

While technology can be a great tool for staying connected with friends, family, and colleagues— if we’re not careful, it can also be a source of stress and anxiety.

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That’s why taking the time to unplug and disconnect from time to time can be so powerful for protecting your peace.

When we intentionally disconnect from technology and social media, we can reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus and productivity, and enhance our creativity and inspiration.

So take a deep breath and keep reading to find out how to prioritize your mental and emotional well-being and protect your peace by unplugging and disconnecting.

I’ll also offer some practical tips for disconnecting for a set period of time.

Let’s start by exploring some of the benefits.

Benefit 1: Reduces Stress and Anxiety

We all know how overwhelming technology can be with its constant presence in our lives. It can feel like we never get a break from the constant notifications and distractions. That’s why unplugging and disconnecting can be so powerful for protecting your peace and reducing stress and anxiety.

When we take a break from technology, it gives us the chance to step away from the digital world and clear our minds. It’s amazing how much clearer we can think and how much calmer we feel when we’re not constantly checking our phones or scrolling through social media.

By taking the time to disconnect from technology, we give ourselves the space to breathe and focus on the present moment instead of worrying about what’s happening online or in our inboxes. It’s an opportunity to rest and recharge and can be a great way to manage stress and anxiety.

In fact, when you protect your peace in this way, you can also improve your mental and emotional well-being and increase your overall sense of fulfillment.

Benefit 2: Improves Focus and Productivity

When you protect your peace by taking a break from technology, it can also lead to improved focus and productivity.

When we’re constantly bombarded with notifications, emails, and other distractions, it can be hard to stay focused on a task. It’s SO easy to get sidetracked. Ugh!

By unplugging and disconnecting from our devices, we can reduce the number of distractions and interruptions that can disrupt our workflow. We can focus better on the tasks at hand and be more productive with our time.

Plus, we can reduce mental fatigue and burnout from constantly being connected to technology, allowing for more sustained focus over time.

Here are just a few of the ways disconnecting can improve your focus and productivity:

  • Provides a sense of control over technology use, reducing the urge to constantly check email or social media.
  • Allows for more focused attention on the task at hand, leading to improved productivity and completion time.
  • Reduces mental fatigue and burnout from constantly being connected to technology, allowing for more sustained focus over time.
  • Increases the ability to prioritize and manage time effectively, resulting in more efficient work habits.
  • Improves cognitive function, including memory, decision-making, and problem-solving, leading to better productivity and quality of work.

Benefit 3: Increases Mindfulness and Appreciation for the Natural World Around Us

Protecting your peace by unplugging from technology can also allow you to increase your mindfulness and your appreciation for the natural world around us.

When we disconnect from technology and spend time in nature or engaging in activities we enjoy, we become more mindful and present

For me, this looks like daily walks without my headphones or other digital devices where I take the time to notice and appreciate the beauty around me, such as the colors of the sky or the sound of the wind blowing through the trees.

Doing so also helps me gain deeper insight into myself.

Engaging in other offline activities, such as reading a book, cooking a meal, or spending time with loved ones, can also increase our mindfulness or present-moment awareness and bring us back to the present moment.

This awareness can lead to a greater appreciation for the simple things in life and a deeper sense of gratitude.

Benefit 4: Enhances Creativity and Inspiration

When I take a break from technology, I have more time to focus on my creative pursuits such as writing for pleasure and not just for my blog, or one of my other hobbies. This allows the ideas to flow more freely and my mind to explore new possibilities without the distraction of technology.

When our minds aren’t preoccupied with technology, it allows us more mental space for creative thoughts and ideas. It also frees us from any external expectations or pressures that can stifle creativity.

Unplugging can also help with brainstorming (which I often have to do when coming up with new content) and problem-solving. I don’t know about you, but I often come up with the most creative solutions when my mind is in a relaxed state.

Here are 10 ideas to enhance your creativity and inspiration when resting and recharging offline:

  1. Spend time in nature, think going for a walk or a hike, or simply sitting outside and enjoying the scenery.
  2. Engage in a creative hobby, such as drawing, painting, or playing an instrument.
  3. Read a book or journal about your thoughts and feelings.
  4. Practice mindfulness or meditation to quiet the mind and reduce stress.
  5. Take a relaxing bath or practice gentle yoga to unwind.
  6. Spend time conversing with loved ones, playing a game, or enjoying a meal together.
  7. Cook or bake a favorite recipe to stimulate the senses and engage in a creative activity.
  8. Take a nap or get a good night’s sleep to allow the mind and body to fully rest and recharge.
  9. Listen to music or engage in other forms of artistic expression, such as writing or poetry.
  10. Engage in physical exercise, like going for a run, lifting weights, or practicing a sport.

Benefit 5: Improves Sleep Quality and Quantity

Protecting your peace by unplugging from technology can also lead to better sleep.

Did you know that the blue light emitted by our digital screens can interfere with our circadian rhythms and disrupt our sleep, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep?

Thankfully, there are several things you can do to reduce blue light exposure and improve your sleep.

When you reduce your blue light exposure and disconnect at least an hour before bed, you can wake up feeling more refreshed and energized. 

Related: WinToo Blue Light Blocking Glasses

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Practical Tips for Disconnecting & Unplugging

Now that you know some of the benefits of unplugging and disconnecting, you may be wondering how to implement this in your own life.

Here are some practical tips:

This could include designating specific times of day for checking email and social media, or setting limits on how much time you spend on your devices each day. Apps like StayFocused and Forest: Focus for Productivity are great for helping you track and limit your screen time.

I often find that the constant alerts and notifications that come with having a smartphone are more distracting and stressful than helpful. That’s why the “Do Not Disturb” setting on my phone is one of my favorite features. This feature allows me to turn off all notifications and focus on the task at hand without being interrupted by notifications and alerts. Consider turning off notifications for non-essential apps or muting notifications during specific times of the day.

This could mean taking a short walk, practicing mindfulness or relaxation techniques, or engaging in a non-digital activity to break up your day and recharge your mind.

It can be challenging to disconnect from technology, especially if you’re used to being constantly connected. If you find yourself struggling or feeling FOMO, remind yourself that it’s okay to take a break and prioritize your mental and emotional well-being.

Related: 25 Self-Compassion Journal Prompts to Befriend Your Inner Self

If you’re worried about feeling socially isolated during a digital detox, consider spending time with loved ones or engaging in activities that involve human connection and interaction.

Unplugging and disconnecting can be difficult at first, but it is so worth the effort! By implementing these practical tips, you can create a healthier relationship with technology and begin on your journey towards protecting your peace.

Unplugging for Your Peace

Hopefully by now you can clearly see why occasionally unplugging and disconnecting from technology is so important to protect your peace.

Doing so can lead to reduced stress and anxiety, improved focus and productivity, increased present-moment awareness and appreciation for the natural world, enhanced creativity and inspiration, and better sleep quality and quantity.

Remember that it’s okay to take a break from technology and give yourself permission to unplug and recharge. Whether it’s for a few hours, a day, or a week, a digital detox can have an extremely positive impact on your overall well-being – and you deserve that!

Thank you so much for reading! If you found this article helpful (and I hope that you did! 🤞🏽), please pin it or share it with friends or colleagues who could benefit from the information.

Until next time,

xoxo