Summertime Unplugged Challenge

It's that time of year, time for the summertime unplugged challenge. What? You've never heard of it? Well, it is a thing. Now.Summertime Unplugged Challenge

It’s that time of year, time for the summertime unplugged challenge. What? You’ve never heard of it? Well, it is a thing. Now. I’m introducing the summertime challenge. Even if you do it for a day you will be blessed! Challenge yourself, your kids, and your extended family and spend a day without electronics. Yes. You. Can. Do. It. Join me for this fun podcast on finding life outside of your phone or digital device.

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First of all, if you are listening to this podcast, congratulations! I figure I’ll get half of my download numbers as people don’t want to hear about the benefits of unplugging from your digital device. But you are among the brave and the small percentage who even cares.

Let’s clarify what I mean by “unplugged.” This means you do not have your phone with you 24/7. It means you can be away from your phone for a period of time and it means you can go without checking social media every five minutes. Think about all that time scrolling sucks from your life.

I’m not going to tell you all of the benefits, just some! You will have time to detox from the electronic waves that are all around us, you can enjoy simple things like an activity or learn a new hobby. Fly a kite, walk/run a mile, or go on a hike even if it is just around your neighborhood. You can put a puzzle together, play a game or read a book and learn to paint. Maybe you want to redecorate a room or do another project that has been long neglected.

Are you up for a challenge? Summertime is the perfect time because our schedules change and can be adjusted to your needs. Who should do this challenge? Anyone with a digital device who can’t put it down. Some digital devices are cell phones, cell phones without plans (many parents give their children their old phones that are Wifi), tablets, video games and consoles, and computers.

First of all, should you accept the challenge? Take this quick five-question test to figure out if you are a candidate.

Candidates for the Summertime Unplugged Challenge:

  1. You know where your phone is at all times.
  2. You check your phone at least five times an hour.
  3. You are on social media every day.
  4. You carry your phone everywhere you go.
  5. You text ten times or more each day.

You may think the questions were a trick to see if you are a candidate for the summertime unplugged challenge but no, this is factual and accurate (because I made it up)! Seriously, I can probably answer no to about four of those things. I lose my phone most days at least once if not more. I never check it unless it bothers me with a ding. I am only on social media when work calls me to post something or check something or message someone. I do not carry my phone everywhere, however, I probably do text ten times or more each day. So, if you give each question a value of twenty points, and you have sixty or higher you are in need of intervention.

So are you in? You may be thinking, “What do I have to do?”  This is the great part and it is so easy. All you have to do is put your phone on a charger, and make sure it is in a different room. That’s it!

What will keep you from the summertime unplugged challenge?  Actually, there are two main issues. the first is the fear of missing out. This is one of the reasons that people don’t want to be away from their phones. The second is the fear you will miss an important phone call (that is what voicemail is for), and as far as text messages, it will be there when you retrieve your phone.

Challenge times can be any length you wish.

  1. For a few hours.
  2. For one day.
  3. For one week.
  4. For one month
  5. For a longer period, you designate.

Still not convinced? How about this come up with a pro and con list. What are the pros of unplugging from electronics and what are the cons? You can let people close to you know you have your device in another room in case they have to wait for a response to a text message. For the record, I never think I have to respond immediately to a text, but I know that is considered rude. Sorry, if I don’t see it (or have lost my phone, so far I’ve lost it twice today) I can’t respond. My family knows this about me and will usually call (which I can hear from somewhere in my home) if they need me quickly.

How did you do? Did you accept the challenge and if so, how did it benefit your family? Let me hear about it. I’m challenging my own family the Gerwitz and Moss family to do this challenge this summer! Are you in?

 

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VHM-468_ChallengeDigitalBan.mp3 (14:29, 17MB)