The concept of “unplugging” can feel impossible when our phones are multi-tools. Emails follow us everywhere we go, social media has become an extension of business, and we’re expected to be reachable at all times. We all know it’s not healthy to be wired in all the time, even when can’t help but pick up our phones to scroll, but it’s even more important to unplug when vacations and family time are more abundant, specifically during the Summer.
We know it’s not possible to throw your phone into a fountain and call it a day (no matter how good the movies make it look). But we do believe it’s possible to be a little more intentionally present this Summer, and it starts with prioritizing what’s right in front of you. Whether or not you’re going on vacation these next few months, there are plenty of ways to take a step back, unwind, and most importantly: unplug. Try one or try them all! Some require a longer commitment while others only need an evening away from screens.
Some Ways to Unplug This Summer
Use your Paid Time Off — even if you’re just staying home or taking a day trip out of town, the best way to unplug and get some time away from screens is to be sure you’re stepping away from work regularly to refresh. This also means not bringing work with you on vacation, which we explored in more detail HERE in this blog post.
Get an analog alarm clock — or plug your phone in across the room. This way you won’t be tempted to scroll or answer emails immediately before bed.
Make it harder to scroll—invest in a phone Brick, set a screen-time limit, or completely delete apps. Whatever it takes for you to commit to getting off of your phone so you can be present with the people around you.
Set up OOO messages —direct people to a point of contact while you’re out of office so that you truly don’t have to worry about anything falling through the cracks. Our Virtual Assistants are often tasked with taking care of anything that comes up while our clients are taking their vacations. From general communication to social media management. Take it from one of our own clients:
“My MOD Assistant covered my business for two weeks while I went on vacation. I hadn’t been able to go on a vacation for 14 years. It was wonderful to be able to know everything was taken care of.”
Commit to post-dinner walks — solo or with the whole family, leave your phone behind and enjoy some time outside as the day cools down.
Start a puzzle in a shared space — having an ongoing shared project will encourage you and your family to sit down and spend time together. Keep one in progress on a table in the house that everyone can contribute to when they need a break from screens or a moment to focus on something tangible.
Sign up for a craft/art class — get out of your house and try something new! You might find a new hobby or learn a new skill.
Host friends — for movie nights, game nights, dinner parties, or anything that you all enjoy doing together. Start by hosting one and keep the ball rolling once a month or even once a week depending on how often everyone can get together.
Silence your work notifications — specifically in the evenings and on weekends when you’re supposed to be away from work, but especially if you’re on vacation.
Go bowling or roller skating — throw it back to the days before we had constant screen overload and embrace your inner child. These are fun and affordable ways to entertain the whole family, especially on a rainy Summer day when the norm is sitting in front of the TV all day long.
Cook a new recipe from scratch — and maybe even from a cookbook you haven’t touched in a while. Slow, tactile, and screen-free!
Read an actual physical book — we love kindle and audible as much as anyone, but there is something more intentional about sitting down with a physical book. You can highlight your favorite moments and take notes in the margins. Plus it’s a perfect poolside activity that won’t short-circuit if it gets a little damp.
Incorporate some tech-free mornings in your week — avoid getting on your phone to answer any messages or scroll on socials until after you’ve had your breakfast or coffee.
Visit a local spot you’ve never been to — is there a museum, botanical garden, or even neighborhood near you that you’ve never explored? There are so many new experiences just beyond our doorsteps!
Write things down by hand — start journaling, making a gratitude list, or even just writing your grocery list down by hand. You can’t beat that pen-to-paper connection, and it’s been proven that memory retention is better while making physical notes.
Sign up for a sport or fitness class — yoga, pickleball, run club, etc. Whatever gets you up and moving away from your screens.
The goal isn’t to disappear completely — although we could all use a Sound of Music moment in the middle of nowhere to reset — it’s just to be more present in the moments that matter. Summer has a way of passing faster than any other season, and we don’t want you to look back on it through a camera roll. So pick one thing from this list this week, then maybe two the week after.
And if the idea of stepping away from your phone and laptop feels impossible, that’s exactly what your MOD assistant is here for — so you can actually unplug this summer without anything falling through the cracks.
