National Day of Unplugging took place from March 1 to March 2. This national day is described as a “24-hour global respite from technology.” The project came up by the Sabbath Manifesto, which was a project of the organization called Reboot. In the Manifesto ‘An adaption of our ancestors’ ritual of carving out one day per week to unwind, unplug, relax, reflect, get outdoors, and connect with loved ones,” says in the project’s website.

National Day of Unplugging originated with a Jewish organization, but it is an open invitation for those who want to participate.

According to the organization, 112,000 people have joined the movement and is in its 10th year.

It’s almost close to impossible unplugging from your phone.

Its a necessity for a majority of us, but it is possible to temporarily delete your social media apps. For the sake of my health and connecting with myself, that’s what I did. Though I dedicated to this commitment before this national day.

For 2 weeks, I went on with my life without Snapchat, Twitter, and Instagram. 3 social media apps that I stayed consistent with to keep myself updated with the world and what everyone was up to. The experience gave me a breath of fresh air and clarity. I was able to connect with myself and that opened up to ideas I wanted to execute in my life.

For example, Instagram can take a toll on your life without you even realizing it.

It becomes your life, or you’re living your life to see others live life. Or so it seems, because you may be seeing nothing but false happiness. Removing yourself from the influences gives you a mind of your own and a peace of mind.

Going back to social media was inevitable as a journalism student, but I learned the urge not to pick up my phone every second. I don’t have that tendency to see how people’s lives are on Instagram. or read someone’s sad tweet of the day. I believe what you surround yourself with, affects the type of life you want to see and live in. I’m convinced someone’s life can be elevated if they take a break from any technology they consume.

Give yourself some clarity and relief. Life is not a race, and sometimes it feels that way with the instant connection we feel from technology. I challenge you to unplug. For a day, for a week, or month.