Let’s Talk Digital Detox: How to Unplug From the World for a Healthy, Happy Life

Apr 7, 2023

Let’s Talk Digital Detox: How to Unplug From the World for a Healthy, Happy Life
The Meaning of Unplugging
You Use Technology More Than You Think
The Benefits of Unplugging
Unplugging Gives FOMO the Boot
Unplugging Helps You Detox From Social Media
Unplugging Provides You With Real Solitude
Mindful Tips and Tricks on How to Unplug From the World
Unplug With Subtl Beauty

Let’s Talk Digital Detox: How to Unplug From the World for a Healthy, Happy Life

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” — Anne Lamott

Today, technology plays a huge role in nearly every aspect of our lives; between bingeing shows on Netflix, taking part in Zoom work meetings, and swiping through Tik Tok beauty hacks, our devices have basically become an extension of ourselves. But, while it’s true that technology is an amazing thing, taking breaks (also known as unplugging) from our screens can offer some pretty awesome benefits that can promote an overall happier life. And yes, before you ask – putting on makeup is a phenomenal form of unplugging.

To give you the lowdown on unplugging and some tips on how you can unplug from the world, we created the ultimate guide to unplugging. Here’s the scoop:

The Meaning of Unplugging

Unplugging means taking breaks from your electronics, while also being mindful when you do take part in screen time. While technology has some great benefits (I use it every day and would never argue against the responsible use of it!), many researchers and scientists claim that our world is developing an unhealthy attachment to it.

Here are a few interesting statistics regarding our use of technology:

Nearly half of cell phone owners have slept with their phones next to them in bed because they didn’t want to miss any calls
Watching television can take up over six days worth of time per month
67% of cell phone users regularly check their phone for messages, alerts, and/or calls even when they don’t notice their phone vibrating or ringing
Researchers have begun labeling “cell phone checking” as the new yawn due to its contagious nature
88% of Americans use phones as a second screen while watching television

You Use Technology More Than You Think

Think back to the last time you went and saw your favorite artist in concert; whether it be nine years ago or last night (We love seeing all the Swifties showcase their Era tour makeup looks through Tik Tok, by the way!), did you notice the dark crowd riddled with phones brightly recording the stage? Did you find yourself wanting to catalog the moment, too?

While it’s perfectly fine to take some photos and videos throughout a concert, unplugging – even for the duration of a song or two – could help you better be in the moment to truly embrace the show. In fact, a viral video (ironic, I know) that came out nine years ago documented our phone overconsumption during concerts and other life events:

The Benefits of Unplugging

While your phone can help you remember birthdays, stay connected, and even schedule your day, there are some benefits you can reap when you unplug from your phone and the world:

Unplugging Gives FOMO the Boot

Have you ever heard of FOMO? Fear of missing out (FOMO) was coined in 2004 to describe a phenomenon observed on social media; it’s defined as the perception of missing out, along with the compulsive behavior to maintain social connections. Basically, if you’ve ever found yourself taking part in an action or going somewhere with your friends solely because you don’t want to miss anything, you’ve experienced FOMO.

Studies have linked FOMO with sleep disturbances, social anxiety, clinical depression, and a decline in academic performance. You can combat FOMO by taking a social media break (more on this below) and/or with apps such as Forest to help you set screen time limits.

Unplugging Helps You Detox From Social Media

Two words, people: social media. The role that social media has in our lives today is astounding; it gives us a way to connect to people with ease and it’s a great cure-all when boredom strikes. But, researchers discovered something alarming about social media: One in three people felt dissatisfied with their lives after scrolling through social media.

From seeing photos of thin influencers sporting barely-there bikinis to pictures of your friends visiting historic travel destinations – the opportunity for envy and/or jealousy to present itself on social media is abundant. By unplugging from social media, you may find yourself able to reset, reflect, and recognize how amazing you are.

If you want to try a fun social media digital detox challenge, check out this one below:

Unplugging Provides You With Real Solitude

In today’s always-connected world, you don’t get a lot of real solitude, especially if you’re a mom with a busy schedule or an avid traveler that’s on a jam-packed plane 24/7. But solitude is so important; it grounds you to the world you live in while providing the stillness and quiet required for you to evaluate your life and reflect on yourself.

To find some solitude, have a self-care date with the best person ever: yourself. Try expressing gratitude to yourself or grab a few works of poetry (or a book!) that get you in your feels. Next, make a list of your best qualities and write them in a journal. If these ideas aren’t really your style, just try taking a really calming bath (feel free to jazz it up with bath bombs and bubbles!).

Mindful Tips and Tricks on How to Unplug From the World

I’m not going to lie; I’ve definitely said something like “you will never pry my phone out of my hands” at some point in my life (we were all teenagers once, after all). So I totally get if you’re hesitant to put your energy into reducing your screen time. Luckily, we’ve compiled some mindful (and easy) tips and tricks on how to unplug from the world:

Do it at your own pace. There is no right or wrong way to unplug as long as it’s benefitting you, and you don’t have to do it cold turkey. Try putting your phone down for five minutes here and there, and then graduate to ten minutes. Do what feels right.
Give yourself and/or your family a technology-free zone (or time!). It’s so important to have a place and/or time that your family designates as technology-free. It could be at the dinner table or just during a before-bed chat about everyone’s day.
Turn off your notifications. When you get home from work, turn off your notifications (unless your job demands it). It’ll allow you to spend time with your family and/or yourself away from the stressors of your career.
Plug into what matters to you. When you unplug, it’s important to give in to yourself. Do what makes you happy, even if it’s trying out an adventurous new eye look or organizing your travel bag. You can also take up new hobbies like reading, knitting, or even makeup!

Unplug With Subtl Beauty

Subtl Beauty is designed for moms that are experiencing new life right in front of their eyes and travelers with an itch for seeing destinations all over the world. We know the importance of being in the moment and experiencing life, which is why the Subtl Beauty Stack was created; it’s a multi-functional, ultra-portable makeup holy grail that’s unplug-friendly.

To carve some unplugging time into your life while using the Subtl Beauty Stack, try some fun tutorials to spice up your next look, like this romantic one that uses plum colors and/or this spring-inspired eyeshadow for Easter. Either way, makeup has been a historical hero all throughout time, so embrace it and use it as a way to connect with yourself.

What’s your favorite way to unplug from the world? Let us know in the comments!

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Let’s Talk Digital Detox: How to Unplug From the World for a Healthy, Happy Life

Table of Contents

Let’s Talk Digital Detox: How to Unplug From the World for a Healthy, Happy Life

The Meaning of Unplugging

You Use Technology More Than You Think

The Benefits of Unplugging

Unplugging Gives FOMO the Boot

Unplugging Helps You Detox From Social Media

Unplugging Provides You With Real Solitude

Mindful Tips and Tricks on How to Unplug From the World

Unplug With Subtl Beauty

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Table of Contents

Let’s Talk Digital Detox: How to Unplug From the World for a Healthy, Happy Life

The Meaning of Unplugging

You Use Technology More Than You Think

The Benefits of Unplugging

Unplugging Gives FOMO the Boot

Unplugging Helps You Detox From Social Media

Unplugging Provides You With Real Solitude

Mindful Tips and Tricks on How to Unplug From the World

Unplug With Subtl Beauty