Unplug From Technology: 19 Ways To Spend Time Off The Grid

We've got a serious addiction to our cell phones.

In fact, research has shown that more than half of us may have "nomophobia," or the fear of being phone-less. Cell phone addictions can be just as real as other substance addictions. And students between ages 18 and 24 send an average of 109.5 text messages a day and check their phones an average of 60 times per day.

While it has yet to be defined in the DSM, experts characterize cell phone addiction by feelings of withdrawal when you're without it, compulsive checking of the phone and using it to feel good.

But we're here to tell you: There is more to life than texting. While we may fear the absence of our smartphones, unplugging does have its benefits: Taking 10-minute breaks can improve your productivity. And practicing mindfulness -- or the act of being present (read: not buried in your phone) -- has been shown to reduce stress, ward off symptoms of depression and anxiety and improve the ability to focus.

So, you want to unplug, but aren't sure where to begin. We've rounded up 19 things to do without your cell. Try them out, then let us know your other ideas for unplugging in the comments below.

• Cook Yourself Up A Luxurious Brunch

  You deserve a breakfast that doesn't come shrink-wrapped every now and again, and cooking it yourself will make it all the more scrumptious. (<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/05/egg-recipes-breakfast-brunch_n_987844.html">Get some <em>egg</em>cellent inspiration, here.</a>)

• Write A Note Of Gratitude To Your Best Friend

  ...when it <em>isn't</em> her birthday. Make a list of all the reasons she earns the title of BFF: She'll feel appreciated and grateful to have <em>you</em> in her life, and writing it will remind you how lucky you are to have her, too.

• Get Moving

  Lace up your sneaks, leash up your love and GO. No matter how you decide to move, choose to leave your cell at home -- grant yourself this time to be present with <em>your own</em> thoughts, and not the thoughts of the Twittersphere.

• Take A Nap

  You'll wake up refreshed and ready to tackle any problem that seemed impossible pre-snooze. (Want to take a nap at work? We're all for it! <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/26/how-to-nap-at-work_n_1232352.html">Find some tips, here.</a>)

• Get Lost In Your City

  Google Maps has saved your life again and again, but it's dulled the wonders of wandering. Why not take a break from knowing where you're going and instead explore the undiscovered?

• Ritualize Your Morning Cup Of Joe

  For a lot of us, our A.M. cup of coffee blends into the frantic "routine" of getting to work on time. Consider setting your alarm 10 minutes earlier to enjoy every aspect of your delicious morning ritual. (<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ora-nadrich/meditation-practice_b_2114526.html">Some tips to turn your morning cup of coffee into a meditation -- it works for tea, too!</a>)

• Sit Like This

  Maybe you don't have time to unplug today. Fine. What about five minutes to sit? Good. Get yourself in this postion -- <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/22/stress-tips-yoga-poses_n_2736129.html?utm_hp_ref=gps-for-the-soul&ir=GPS%20for%20the%20Soul">Viparita Karani, or Legs Up the Wall</a> -- for just five minutes and feel the stress of the day evaporate.

• Take An Art Class

  Remember when Art was your favorite subject in school? Relive that release of creativity. (Sampling the Elmer's Glue is not encouraged.)

• Take A Page From Your Grandmother's Recipe Book

  Try crafting a meal from your roots, whether it's from a page of your Grandma's passed-down recipe book or the extravagant birthday dinner your dad used to cook you as a kid. One rule: No looking up the steps online!

• Read A Book

  Preferably one with pages that you turn, not tap.

• Dig Through Some Childhood Memorabilia

  Dust off those boxes of fourth grade genius: No one could compete with your report on Ulysses S. Grant (or so said your No. 1 fan: Mom). Revel in that fantastic feeling of nostalgia -- you are sure to find some gems!

• Take A Bath

  It won't be long until waterproof phones become the norm. For now, light a candle and take a nice, long tech-free soak -- you'll emerge <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/09/bath-bomb-recipe_n_2431955.html">relaxed</a> and peaceful.

• Feed The Ducks

  Talk about appreciating the present moment: Those ducks won't ignore you for their Instagram feed. You'll get their full attention in exchange for a little bread.

• Declutter

  Pick a space in your home and get organized. Doing a bit of a home-cleanse will help you feel <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sophie-keller/declutter-home-cleanse_b_1166467.html">less chaotic on the inside</a>.

• Write Stream Of Consciousness

  Whip out a pen and start scribbling -- you might be surprised to see all that's on your mind, without the interruptions and distractions from your external gadgets.

• People Watch

  Pick a crowded part of town and observe: People are always up to curious things that you won't notice unless your head's up!

• Host A Phone-Free Potluck

  Gather your gang for a night of culinary joy -- everyone should bring a dish, but leave their cells behind.

• Volunteer

  Spend some time doing something good for someone else -- you'll reap the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/terri-cole/volunteering-health_b_2189477.html">many benefits of altruism</a>, and maybe even dig up a new hobby.

• Play A Board Game

  Just because they recently <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/06/monopoly-cat-piece_n_2629561.html">swapped the iconic iron piece for a cat </a>doesn't mean your favorite classics aren't worth a revisit.

• Related Video: The Doctors' 48-Hour Technology Detox

Make sure to join our ?Social Media Anxiety Disorder? Twitter chat before you unplug this Friday, March 1 at 12 p.m. ET. We'll be tweeting from @HealthyLiving and @GPSforSoul with the hashtag #SMAD.

For more on unplugging and recharging, click here.

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Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/27/unplug-from-technology_n_2762116.html

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