How To Relax Without Technology.

I watch my students play games on their phones but I don't see them relax without technology.  If they get free time, they just want to be online to play games or check out YouTube.  I seldom see them actually relax without a device.  For myself, I often use my device to read books since I had to fit all my belongings into one suitcase when I came out here for the job.  Yes, I sometimes play games but mostly I use it for reading. So today, we'll look at ways to relax without using technology.

There are several reasons one should find time to relax without using technology.  The use of digital devices often leads to inattentiveness, poor quality of sleep, and increased anxiety.  So it is important to take time to enjoy yourself without using technology.

For instance, rather than eating dinner while watching Netflix, or checking social media, take time to prepare the meal without any technology in front of you.  Then sit down at the dining room table to eat it slowly, while conversing with other members of the family. When you enjoy a meal with no technology, you slow down and really appreciate the taste of the meal.  This type of eating is often referred to as mindful eating because you are taking time to enjoy the flavor and texture of every bite.

Pull out a good old fashioned book, sit down and read it.  In addition to being relaxing, reading a book can also be mentally stimulating while providing actual benefits for your body and mind.  It has been shown that reading a physical book for just 30 minutes can lower blood pressure, improve your heart rate, and decrease feelings of psychological stress.

Think about going back to that hobby you had years ago or start a new one.  When you engage in a hobby, you'll get into a zone that is like meditating. It doesn't matter if you bike, make jewelry, dance, or gardening, you are focused on one activity which helps reboot and clear your mind so you feel more fulfilled and successful.

If you can, head out to spend time in nature, walking, enjoying the trees, flowers, or even lakes.  Being out in nature can help your mind unwind.  There is evidence that being in nature can impact our brains and behavior by relieving anxiety, increasing our attention span, and helps us connect to other people.

Rather than keeping a digital journal, pull out a composition notebook and start writing in it by hand.  Journal your feelings, your gratitude, your day, or similar topic. Journaling by hand, helps get rid of the noise in our brains we've absorbed from all the screens around us, and declutters the brain.  If you don't know what to write about, check the internet for ideas or journal starters, print them off and keep them with your journal.

Call someone using your phone rather than relying on texting. Stay connected by phone, enjoy the conversation without the distraction of the screen. When you speak on the phone, there is little chance of misinterpreting something that is written or texted.  You don't have to figure out if the period was placed in the wrong spot, or remember what that shortened word means.  When talking you can just enjoy the conversation.

Finally, take up yoga.  Yoga helps ease tension in the body and mind, helps develop flexibility, and is great for relaxing by the end of a session.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have fun relaxing more without your screen.