Day of Unplugging

The second Friday in March is the National Day of Unplugging. National Day of Unplugging is celebrated on March 9th of this year. Unplugging simply means to disconnect from an electric circuit by removing a plug, and it also has another meaning of removing an obstacle. It is ultimately celebrated to convey the importance of disconnecting with the electronic gadgets and being social wherever one person is. It is a reminder for the peoples to take control of their technology instead of their technology controlling them.  As a result, they will be able to have better attention management, increased productivity and higher quality downtime. If technology is used mindfully, it has extraordinary benefits. We increasingly miss out on the crucial moments of our lives as we pass the hours with our noses buried in our phones, documenting our every move through social media and shielding ourselves from the outside world. Although the National Day of Unplugging comes only around once a year, it intends to inspire reflections on the impact devices in our life, along with the value of using them with a higher sense of awareness. Not only it helps you reconnect with people but also helps you enjoy the moment. Spending some time away from your electronic devices can also help you get a better night’s sleep.

“I find it refreshing to unplug from it for a while. You kind of forget how deeply you get embedded in it.” – Will Wright

History of National Day of Unplugging

The National Day of Unplugging was introduced in 2010 by Reboot, launched as an outgrowth of a project called the Sabbath Manifesto. It is a modern adaptation of the traditional Sabbath meaning carving out one day per week to unwind, unplug, reflect, relax, get outdoors, and join with loved ones. Reboot is a non-profit organization devoted to protecting Jewish tradition by fastening new generations in creative projects involving arts, food, and social justice. According to them, one of the achievements of Reboot has been helping thousands of individuals to rekindle connections and re-imagine lives full of meaning, creativity, and joy.However, you don’t have to be Jewish to participate in the National Day of Unplugging. This modern day of rest was created for the people to bring the balance to the increasingly fast-paced way of life and reclaim the time to connect with family members, friends and our communities. Hence, no matter what faith or affiliation you hold, you are welcome to take the pledge and unplug.

How to celebrate National Day of Unplugging

The National Day of Unplugging is a 24-hour stretch during which you put your electronics to rest. Those taking the pledge are required to fill out and upload an “unplug sign” that reads, “I UNPLUG TO _________.”  Peoples who have already pledged to unplug with signs that include everything from “I unplug to salsa,” and “I unplug to play,” to “I unplug to be with family members and with myself,” You unplug yourself from your gadgets for next 24 hours and do what you have challenged for. The 24-hour celebration includes events, exhibitions, recordings, books, films, DIY activity toolkits, and apps. It is not necessary for you to join any unplug organizations, you can just take up the challenge to connect with the people in your street, have an uninterrupted meal or be crazy with your kids. You can unplug anything that kept you away because of your electronic device. Post pictures and share your thoughts on social media about National Day of Unplugging by using the hashtag #DayofUnplugging.