Technology is unbelievably amazing.
It allows us to get important news instantly, it helps us connect with friends that may be miles away, and it has given us more cute cat videos than we will ever know what to do with.
And thanks to smartphones, all of this is also available on the go, allowing us to do almost anything with our phones.
This is so exciting and important — but it has also created a culture in which we are attached to one screen or another almost all the time.
This may not seem like any big deal, but there are subtle ways that our constant attachment to technology is hindering our lives.
While it's nice every once in a while, logging out of technology can actually be incredibly beneficial to our lives.
Check below to see all of the reasons tuning out of technology can be good for you.
Unplugging Benefit #1: Longer, Deeper Sleeps
I am certainly guilty of checking my computer before I go to bed; there is just something so freeing about exploring the internet at night!
But all the stimulation we get from it messes with our melatonin production and makes it harder to fall asleep.
In order to get as many precious minutes of sleep as possible, refrain from any bright screens while you're winding down for the night.
Unplugging Benefit #2: Improved Posture
Whether we are at our desks, at our kitchen tables, or in our beds, we are usually guilty of slouching over our laptops so that we can see.
Bad posture leads to many other ailments like chronic pain and breathing troubles, so remember to straighten your spine even when you are in front of the computer.
Unplugging Benefit #3: Fewer Headaches
The bright light emitted from computer or phone screens can put some serious strain on our eyeballs, especially if we are looking at them in the dark.
The neck strain that comes along with looking down at our phones can also be a connection to our pounding heads.
Unplugging Benefit #4: Improved Memory
Technology may seem like it is helping your memory out, with all of the apps and notes.
But all of the features like spell check, search engines, and number storage are inhibiting us from remembering easy information all by ourselves (seriously, when was that last time we had to memorize a telephone number?).
Taking time to remember facts, names, numbers, and other information without relying on the internet can help keep our memory sharp!
Unplugging Benefit #5: Improved Complexion
If you are breaking out, your cell phone could be the culprit.
Your phone screen can be home to a crazy amount of bacteria, and since it touches your skin all the time, placing your cheek against it over and over can cause acne.
Keep this in mind when you need to make a phone call and constantly wipe your phone down so that it stays clean.
Unplugging Benefit #6: Meaningful Connections With Others
With our constant attachment to social media and emails, it may seem like technology keeps us more connected to one another.
But, in truth, when we are constantly staring at a screen, it means that we are not giving enough attention to the people that are right in front of us.
The next time you are having a conversation with someone in person, try storing away your cell phone for the entire time. You will find that the conversations and connections are a lot more meaningful than any text message.
Unplugging Benefit #7: Enhanced Physical Activity
As entertaining as our computers are, they require that we stay sedentary.
Getting outside and being active offers just as much excitement, but is also amazing for our bodies.
Unplugging Benefit #8: Decreased Eye Strain
As mentioned before, staring at a bright screen for too long puts a lot of strain on our eyes, especially at night.
Take the pressure off your eyes but turning off your screens, or at least lowering the brightness as much as possible.
Unplugging Benefit #9: Increased Productivity
The internet and all of its anomalies are definitely distracting to say the least, so it is easy to spend hours on there and realize that you haven't accomplished anything.
Powering down helps us turn our attention to other stimulating activities like meeting with friends, working on a craft, or making a yummy meal.
Unplugging Benefit #10: More Enjoyable Browsing
Like everything in life, all of the internet's entertainment is more exciting and meaningful when you're not indulging in it all the time.
Logging in less frequently means that you will be able to take in all the emails and news more meaningfully.
If you believe in powering down every once in a while, make sure to SHARE with friends and family on Facebook.
