The Ten Steps to Get Unplugged and Give Your Family a Stress-Free 4th July Weekend
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) July 03, 2013 -- The average smartphone user checks their device 150 times a day, according to The Meeker Report, so it’s no surprise that 80% of Americans say they struggle to unplug and completely switch off during weekends and vacations.
But it’s not just the appeal of Instagramming firework displays, or tagging Facebook friends in quirky pool party pics that will keep Americans plugged in during this 4th July holiday weekend.
According to Gemini Adams, award-winning author recently profiled by The Huffington Post for her latest book, The Facebook Diet: 50 Funny Signs of Facebook Addiction and Ways to Unplug with a Digital Detox, we have our biochemistry to blame for the driving desire to dip-in to our digital devices.
Adams says “Research shows that when the brain receives a new piece of information the part of the brain that relates to pleasure releases a burst of the neurotransmitter Dopamine. Activities that increase the level of Dopamine in the brain are addictive because they generate a feeling of enjoyment. That’s why it’s so hard to unplug.”
Yet the benefits of taking time out from technology have been well documented, resulting in; increased ability to concentrate, lower stress levels, stronger immune system and a feeling of being more connected to self, family and society.
Adams, who also writes the Get Unplugged blog, says, “If we want to recharge and reconnect, we need to use this 4th July to declare independence from our digital devices!”
She adds, “Remember it’s a holiday. The word originates from holy day. It’s supposed to be sacred. So don’t disturb the sense of peace you deserve by dragging your digital devices around with you. Take time out to unplug, connect with family and really recharge your batteries.”
Adams gives these 10 steps to unplug and make the declaration of independence from your digital devices easier for this 4th July holiday weekend:
#1. Start with small steps. Don't try to go the full 72 hours without text, Facebook or email, begin by committing to one tech-free day.
#2. Delete all social media apps from your smartphone. Then you won’t be tempted to Tweet about or Instagram that stray hotdog that landed on Aunt Wilma’s lap.
#3. Announce your declaration. Let everyone know that you’ll be taking time to unplug from tech by sharing the news on Facebook or Twitter.
#4. Leave your devices at home for the day. Make firm plans with your family and friends. If you still get lost at the party, just enjoy the unpredictability. You might meet a tall, dark, handsome stranger!
#5. Listen to the law. This is a federal holiday. So even if your boss is email happy and tries to lure you back to your devices over the weekend, make sure you power down for at least 24 hours.
#6. Host a device free party. Rather than suffering solo, if you’re the host of this year’s 4th July party request that your guests leave their devices at home too.
#7. Participate. Don’t watch the parades on a screen. Get outside and join in the fun.
#8. Call them. Everyone loves to hear your voice, even if it’s left as a message. Call relatives and friends to wish them a happy 4th by phone instead of sending texts or emails.
#9. Use a real camera. Rather than applying an instant gratification filter on Instagram wait to edit your pictures back home. Or, submit the film for processing and enjoy the excitement of waiting to see what you’ve captured.
#10. Ask for his/her phone number. When the BBQ’s burnt to ashes and the fireworks have set the mood, go ask the ‘hottie’ for their phone number and write it on a napkin. It’s way more romantic than asking to ‘bump’ smartphones!
About the Author
Gemini Adams is the author of several non-fiction books, including the multiple award-winning Your Legacy of Love: Realize the Gift in Goodbye and the bestseller, The Top 100 Recipes for Happy Kids. Her works have been translated into Spanish, Chinese, Japanese. Her most recent book The Facebook Diet: 50 Funny Signs of Facebook Addiction and Ways to Unplug with a Digital Detox was published in the US by Live Consciously in May, 2013. The first in The Unplug Series — a collection of seriously funny books for technology addicts, geeks and the overly wired world — aimed at helping people examine the health of their high-tech habits in a humorous way.
About the Unplug Series
Those interested in learning more should visit The Unplug Series website http://www.unplugseries.com where they'll find more advice articles from Gemini Adams on taking time to unplug and starting a digital detox.
Live Consciously Publishing Ltd, is a privately held company headquartered in London, UK. For more information, please visit: http://www.liveconsciouslynow.com
Julia Drake, Julia Drake PR, http://www.juliadrakepr.com, 323 304 2433, [email protected]
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