24 Hour Unplug Challenge - EVENT 3

  24 hour unplug challenge -- turn off your phone, computer, TV -- all devices for a period of 24 hours. Have your notebook and pencil / pen with you and make notes of how you are feeling when not connected. If you are unable to do the entire 24 hours, write about that too. Best time to do this is the weekend and do notify your friends and family. This can be done from any location.

I recently did the 24 hour unplug challenge, disconnecting from all devices. During this challenge, I found myself trying to use my phone unconsciously as habitual impulses to check my phone was difficult to suppress. However, the absence of technology and other connections made me feel comfortable and had a sense of calm. With the absent of devices, I found myself more engaged in my surroundings. It even helped me fix my sleep schedule as I did not go through different apps before going to bed. One thing that was a bit challenging was that my day felt way too long. The slower pace of the day caused a bit of frustration but it allowed me to feel more connected to my thoughts and experience a refreshing sense of mindfulness. 

As the 24 hour mark approached, I reflected on the entire experience. At the beginning, the digital detox made me feel very anxious. I realized how much of my daily life is influenced by digital interactions and also how addicted I was to my phone. There were several times where I almost failed the challenge due to habitual impulses. However, I managed to redirect these urges by catching up on sleep or engaging in other distracting activities such as working out or cleaning my room. These alternative activities provided a healthy way to cope with the anxiety of disconnection I felt. 

Personally, this challenge was a profoundly enlightening experience. I have tried this challenge several times in the past but failed as it was difficult to take breaks from my digital devices. However, after succeeding the digital detox, it inspired me to incorporate regular digital detoxes into my daily routine to maintain a balance between my online and offline lives.