I've been challenged to join the movement and unplug for National Day of Unplugging. For someone who can't even resist Wi-Fi on a plane, I have my doubts about how well I can do. So, for the sake of challenge and because my editor asked, I will try.
The first step is obviously learning the rules. Maybe I'm the only one who thinks it's ironic, but all of the information is online at
nationaldayofunplugging.com In fact, when you go to the page, a pop-up offers to e-mail you "tips and updates." I find all of this rather ironic and pretty amusing.
On to the details:
The Unplug Day is a 24-hour period starting at sundown Friday March 7 through sundown Saturday. According to the website, the purpose of the National Day of Unplugging is to "start living a different life: connect with the people in your street, neighborhood and city, have an uninterrupted meal or read a book to your child."
What does it mean to unplug? There is no black and white line; it's up to your own interpretation. Clearly, the idea is to ditch cellphones, iPads, and other computerized devices for 24 hours. This means no Facebook or Twitter, no fact-checking on Google and no e-mails.
Begin by
signing the pledge, which states "I pledge to unplug during the National Day of Unplugging on March 7-8, 2014. I understand that the important first step is to unplug for as long as I can even if it not the full day."
Is it possible? Is it possible for me? Do I really have to stop working before sunset today? Do I need to make my notes using a pencil and paper? Is it against the rules to take photos with my iPhone? I'm stressing about this already.
The National Day of Unplugging BEGINS at sunset . According to the site, the challenge applies to you if your answer to any of these questions is yes:
• Do you have multiple cell phones?
• Take your iPad to the beach on vacation?
• Ever find it hard to get through a conversation without posting an update to Facebook?
• Is your computer always on?
I challenge you to join me and take the challenge! (And, stayed tuned for the follow-up article next week to find out how this blogger did.)
Want to join Sheryl? Comment below and then let us know how you did.
Sheryl Rowling is chief executive of Total Rebalance Expert and principal at Rowling & Associates. She considers herself a non-techie user of technology.
