Listen to an audio transcription of this post
Key takeaways:
-
Unplug from devices for 24 hours on the National Day of Unplugging to improve wellbeing.
-
Disconnecting digitally strengthens in-person connections and self-care.
-
Blue light from screens disrupts sleep; Blissy Sleep Masks block light.
-
Detoxing from tech recharges energy and relationships.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by technology, you're not alone.
31% of US adults go online "almost constantly," according to a 2021 Pew Research Center survey [6].
90% of adults aged 18-29 use social media every day.
And it's only becoming harder to avoid screens as more immersive technologies develop, such as the Apple Vision Pro.
Studies have already shown that high screen time, blue light, and social media impact mental and physical health and/or sleep quality [1, 5, 11]. Relationships are also affected by our daily use of technology [9].
That's why it's so important to unplug, So, turn off those devices at least once a year on the Global Day of Unplugging (also known as National Day of Unplugging).
Take time away from electronics to rekindle relationships, foster mindfulness, and improve sleep.
Understanding Global Day of Unplugging
The Global Day of Unplugging is a project designed to encourage people around the world to celebrate a screen-free time. To step back from digital devices and instead focus on one's well-being and face-to-face relationships.
This awareness campaign, created by Unplug Collaborative, sparks meaningful conversation around electronic devices.
Digital downtime allows us to appreciate the role that technology plays in our lives and to create healthier tech habits in the future [10].
How to celebrate Global / National Day of Unplugging
The 15th annual Global Day of Unplugging will be held from sundown to sundown March 1-2, 2024.
If you're looking for community events, here is a map of Unplugged Events worldwide.
Other ways to honor the Day of Unplugging:
-
Plan a dinner party with loved ones
-
Connect with nature. Try a hike with friends, or go solo as a moving meditation.
-
Allow your creative spirit to shine! Create your favorite type of art.
-
Step away from the stress of daily life and reconnect with yourself. Practice yoga. Get a massage. Catch up on sleep—rest is productive [3].
Benefits of a Digital Detox
A digital detox encourages people to embrace self-love and loved ones.
Unplugging National Day is the perfect opportunity to spend time with family members and friends. It's also a great time to prioritize your relationship. Use this time to strengthen or rekindle the bond between you and your partner.
Taking a moment to feel connected with the tangible world around us has a positive impact on both mental and physical health!
The Role of Blue Light
Yet another reason digital detoxing is vital: blue light from screens affects sleep patterns and overall health.
Natural blue light, such as from the sun, helps us stay alert and is a key component of circadian rhythms [5].
Chronic exposure to artificial blue light, however, can have unwanted consequences. These include poor sleep quality, disrupted sleep cycles, and difficulty falling asleep.
Poor sleep is linked to conditions like depression, obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes [2]. Inadequate sleep can affect your daily life, causing brain fog, mood swings, and fatigue.
Staring at screens can also cause eyestrain, dry eyes, and headaches [4].
How to Get Better Sleep
Don't let blue light get you down!
Aside from digitally detoxing on the National Day of Unplugging, you can also:
-
Turn off electronics 2-3 hours before bed
-
Dim down the brightness of your devices or activate "night mode"
-
Switch to a red- or orange-emitting light if you like to read in bed
-
Elevate your sleeping environment. Wear a Blissy Sleep Mask to bed to block out light and fall asleep faster.
Pair Your Digital Detox With Blissy
Blissy Silk Sleep Masks will help you prioritize wellness and better sleep during and after your digital detox.
Blissy Sleep Masks help you sleep deeper
Our luxe, mulberry silk sleep masks facilitate deeper sleep by enhancing comfort and blocking out light (even blue light).
They are meticulously crafted to ensure quality and fit, allowing you to get uninterrupted sleep.
Their gentle, ultra-soft material soothes tired eyes and promotes relaxation.
If you're a hot sleeper, our eye masks are especially helpful. Our silk is both moisture-wicking and cooling. You won't need to worry about overheating or tossing and turning at night.
Blissy silk improves your sleep and skin
Blissy Silk Sleep Masks are made from the highest quality mulberry silk, which has incredible benefits.
Our silk is a natural fiber that's hypoallergenic and safe to wear nightly, even when worn on the delicate eye area.
They are also a wonderful option for those with sensitive skin or skin conditions such as eczema.
Aside from the above-mentioned sleep benefits, Blissy Sleep Masks are also:
-
Anti-aging. Silk sleep masks are nearly friction-free, leading to fewer new fine lines and wrinkles.
-
Hydrating and non-irritating. Our sleep masks won't absorb skincare products, allowing your skin to stay supple and radiant.
-
Noncomedogenic and antibacterial. Sleeping with a Blissy Sleep Mask won't clog pores, making them ideal for those who struggle with acne.
Make the Blissy Sleep Mask part of your digital detox toolkit
Our silk sleep mask will help you get the most out of your National Day of Unplugging—and every night of sleep to come! Whether you wear it during a daytime meditation or while unwinding in bed at night, it'll serve as a fantastic relaxation, beauty, and wellness aid.
Traveling this National Day of Unplugging? Don't sweat it. Our sleep mask also comes with a travel case so that you can enjoy the same sleep advantages on the go.
Want to learn more about how our sleep mask can help you unwind? You'll find additional information in our Ultimate Guide.
Recharge Your Energy on National Day of Unplugging
We at Blissy believe that Global Day of Unplugging is vital to foster better mental health, wellness, and community.
Celebrate with loved ones, and make sure to pamper yourself, too. Our silk sleep mask will help provide you with a restful detox experience.
View Sources
- Braghieri, L., Levy, R., & Makarin, A. (2022). Social media and mental health. The American Economic Review, 112(11), 3660–3693. https://doi.org/10.1257/aer.20211218
- BSc, K. G. (2020, May 21). Blue light and sleep: what’s the connection? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/block-blue-light-to-sleep-better
- Cat-Admin. (2020, October 2). Rest is Essential for Learning & Productivity. Center for the Advancement of Teaching. https://teaching.fsu.edu/tips/2020/10/02/rest-is-essential-for-learning-productivity/
- Jaiswal, S., Asper, L., Long, J., Lee, A., Harrison, K., & Golebiowski, B. (2019). Ocular and visual discomfort associated with smartphones, tablets and computers: what we do and do not know. Clinical and Experimental Optometry, 102(5), 463–477. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30663136/
- Mikulska, J., Skoczylas, K., Rokicki, S., & Schok, K. (2023). How blue light affect sleep. Journal of Education, Health and Sport, 37(1), 74–79. https://apcz.umk.pl/JEHS/article/view/43742
- Pew Research Center. (2021, June 5). 31% of American adults are online almost constantly | Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2021/03/26/about-three-in-ten-u-s-adults-say-they-are-almost-constantly-online/
- Scott, C. F., Bay‐Cheng, L. Y., Prince, M. A., Nochajski, T. H., & Collins, R. L. (2017). Time spent online: Latent profile analyses of emerging adults’ social media use. Computers in Human Behavior, 75, 311–319. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2017.05.026
- Sleep Foundation. (2024, January 12). Blue Light: What it is and how it affects sleep. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/bedroom-environment/blue-light
- Utah State University. (2023, December 14). New study shows impact of technology on relationships. USU. https://extension.usu.edu/news_sections/home_family_and_food/new-study-shows-impact-of-technology-on-relationships
- Why unplugging matters — Global Day of Unplugging. (n.d.). Global Day of Unplugging. https://www.globaldayofunplugging.org/why-unplugging-matters
- Wu, X., Tao, S., Zhang, Y., Zhang, S., & Tao, F. (2015). Low Physical Activity and High Screen Time Can Increase the Risks of Mental Health Problems and Poor Sleep Quality among Chinese College Students. PLOS ONE, 10(3), e0119607. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0119607
