Have you ever made it all the way to work only to realize you left your phone on the counter at home? Or maybe you forgot to pack a charger in your carry-on bag, and your phone died while you were waiting to catch a flight at the airport? Were you tempted to pay an insanely high price for a charger at the airport because you HAD to have your phone immediately? It can be challenging just to unplug, relax, and unwind from the constant interruption of technology.

If this sounds at all familiar, know that you aren’t alone. We’ve all been there. We rely on technology for everything. Communication, checking the time, entertainment, checking the weather, taking pictures, watching the news, reading the news, digital plane tickets, online shopping, and even paying digitally at restaurants and stores. Finding ways to unplug and relax can seem impossible when so much of what we do each day is dependent on technology. With so many things distracting us, it can be difficult to be present and enjoy the moment.

Technology isn’t always a bad thing. It provides so many resources and conveniences that definitely better our lives. But it’s important to recognize when technology is causing unhealthy habits or dependencies and when you really need to unplug and relax for a bit. Do you track your screen time on your phone? Even the time you spend on your phone alone might shock you. Finding ways to escape the constant need to check your phone or email might be easier than you think. Check out these ideas on how to take a break from technology so that you can finally unplug, relax, and unwind.

“Sometimes, the best way to recharge is to unplug.” – Chris Butler

According to sleep.org, “Studies indicate that screen time before bed can increase the amount of time it takes to fall asleep, reduce sleep quality, and affect attentiveness the following day.” Create a bedtime routine that encourages relaxation and sleepiness. Start your routine by dimming the lights and turning off all screens, including your phone. Turn your phone to the “Do Not Disturb Setting” and place it on the charger for the night. Find things that relax you and add them to your evening routine. Take a bubble bath, diffuse lavender, or read a book. But whatever you do, don’t fall asleep watching television. Watching television while you fall asleep will cause the opposite effect of having a peaceful night’s sleep. So, before you try to fall asleep, unplug and relax.

When was the last time you stopped and read a book? Not just listened to a book or read it on your tablet, but actually picked up a book, turned the pages, and became lost in a different world? Instead of having a family movie night, why not have a family book night? Take a break from technology and select a book to read together as a family. If you are already trying to limit your screen time as a family, reading a book will provide a fun way to unplug, relax, and unwind in an exciting story together without relying on a television. Limiting your screen time and reading an actual book will also help prevent any distractions like text messages or social media notifications popping up on your screen. Turn your phone to silent, start reading a book, and be present and enjoy the moment.

“Reading books benefits both your physical and mental health, and those benefits can last a lifetime.” Rebecca Joy Stanborough, Healthline

There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking the weekend to binge your favorite television show. However, it’s something you definitely want to do in moderation. If your go-to me time is binging a new show, grab a novel instead. Many movies and television shows are based on novels already, so why not read the book series first? You may really enjoy this particular author’s writing and find even more of their book series to read.

There are so many great self-improvement books to encourage and inspire you in many different walks of life! Find one that speaks to you and take time to focus on you to better your life. Or, if you’ve always wanted to learn to garden or master your baking skills, find several books to help you perfect a favorite hobby or craft!

Keep a book in your car for the next time you are waiting in a doctor’s office, stuck in the carpool line, or miraculously have an extra hour in your day to escape to your favorite coffee shop and become lost in your favorite book! One of the great things about reading an actual book is you don’t need headphones, and it won’t ever run out of power! So, take a break from technology and grab a book! Need a recommendation for your next book? Here are a few of our favorite books to help you get back to reading.

Investment and Personal Finance Books

• Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki
• The Millionaire Mind by Thomas J. Stanley, Ph.D.
• MONEY Master the Game: 7 Simple Steps to Financial Freedom by Tony Robbins
• Index Investing for Dummies by Russell Wild, MBA
• Rich Dad’s Retire Young Retire Rich by Robert T. Kiyosaki
• The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham 
• The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey

Self-Improvement Books

• Clockwork: Design Your Business to Run Itself by Mike Michalowicz
• Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
• High Performance Habits by Brendon Burchard
• Stress Test by Timothy F. Geithner
• Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen by Donald Miller
• People Love You by Jeb Blount

Real Estate Books

• The Book on Rental Property Investing: How to Create Wealth With Intelligent Buy and Hold Real Estate Investing by Brandon Turner
• Build a Rental Property Empire: The no-nonsense book on finding deals, financing the right way, and managing wisely by Mark Ferguson
• Real Estate Real Profit: The Practical Guide To Start, Make Deals, Manage Cash-flow And Build Your Own Successful Real Estate Empire by Richard Draper
• Real Estate Investing for Dummies by Eric Tyson

Leisure Books 

• Look Alive Twenty-Five: A Stephanie Plum Novel by Janet Evanovich
• Boundless Ambition (Kyle Achilles) by Tim Tigner
• The Lies of Spies: (Kyle Achilles, Book 2) by Tim Tigner
• Falling Stars by Tim Tigner
• Robert Langdon Series Collection 7 Books Set by Dan Brown – Angels and Demons, The Da Vinci Code, The Lost Symbol, Inferno, Origin, Digital Fortress, Deception Point)
• The Vacationers by Emma Straub
• Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter
• Nights of Rain and Stars by Maeve Binchy
• The Paris Wife by Paula McLain

Family & Children Books

• ABC Cities Around the World by Charles Hanna
• I Thought I Saw A Crocodile! By Lydia Nichols
• The Cat in the Hat Comes Back by Dr. Suess
• Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Suess
• Oh, the Places You’ll Go! By Dr. Suess
• Dr. Suess’s Beginner Book Collection (Cat in the Hat, One Fish Two Fish, Green Eggs and Ham, Hop on Pop, Fox in Socks)
• I Thought I Saw a Lion!
• I Thought I Saw An Elephant!

When it comes to a night out with friends or a family night at home, it’s so easy to default to  going to the movies or binge-watching your favorite show. But sitting in a dark movie theater or watching Netflix doesn’t allow you to engage with each other and have a conversation. Find activities that everyone can enjoy and limit your screen time.

Unplug for the night and host a game night at home with friends or family. Order in from DoorDash or Uber Eats and spend the evening playing games with, hopefully, many smiles and lots of laughter! According to the Mayo Clinic, laughter soothes tension, and “Laughter can also stimulate circulation and aid muscle relaxation, both of which can help reduce some of the physical symptoms of stress.” Finding ways to laugh will actually help you relax and destress!

Play card games, board games, or party games like Charades or Taboo! For an extra fun incentive, have different prizes for the end of the night: best overall player, worst overall player, or the best effort award. Game nights are a great way to limit your screen time and unplug, relax, and unwind with your favorite people. Put your phones down and be present and enjoy the moment.

There is something special about being barefoot in the kitchen, drinking a glass of wine, and cooking with your people. It doesn’t have to be gourmet; it just has to be something you love! Turn up your favorite tunes and get cooking! Host a make your own pizza night or create a charcuterie board, get your hands messy and make a pie from scratch. Make it a date night or a girls’ night in. Add a little competitive fun and have a bake-off or cook-off.

You will be amazed at the beautiful memories and conversations that come from cooking together, and you will enjoy a delicious meal or treat while spending quality time with your people. When you unplug, relax, and unwind, it is so much easier to find ways to be present and enjoy the moment.

“Food brings people together on many different levels. It’s nourishment of the soul and body; it’s truly love.” -Giada De Laurentiis

Spend more time soaking up the sun and breathing in some fresh air. The next time you feel your television or computer calling your name, take a walk! Even just 30 minutes of sunshine and fresh air will do so much good! Instead of eating lunch in front of the television, pack a picnic and eat at the park or even eat in your backyard!

Spend Saturday playing frisbee with your family or taking a hike. Ride your bike or jog outside instead of heading to the gym. Take the kids to the playground or tour a local garden. Whatever you decide to do, take time to listen to the birds, feel the sunshine on your face, and the wind in your hair. It’s amazing how refreshed you can feel from taking a break from technology, even if only for a few minutes.

Unplug and relax with a much-needed weekend away! Pack a bag and escape to a technology-free (as much as possible) weekend getaway with your significant other or a group of friends and spend time outdoors. Visit a winery, stay at a remote cabin in the mountains, or plan a peaceful weekend at the beach. Explore museums, plan a spa day, take a hike and just enjoy an escape from your everyday day-to-day responsibilities and obligations. This includes checking work emails, scrolling through Instagram, or staying glued to the television. Clear your mind and unplug, relax, and unwind.

What are some of your favorite ways to unplug and relax? Do you find it difficult to limit your screen time throughout the day? Do you have a specific bedtime routine that helps you unplug, relax, and unwind? We would love to hear how you take a break from technology and just be present and enjoy the moment. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!