To help us identify the importance of disconnecting from the electronic world, we talked to Palak Dave, an entrepreneur, speaker, and author of the book Beautiful Everydays: A Guide to Living in the Here and Now . She says, “I truly believe that disconnecting is the new way to reconnect—with yourself, the people around you, and a life that you love. Taking a break from screens allows for more meaningful, in-person interactions and activities that nurture creativity, such as reading, cooking, or engaging in hobbies, as well as spending more time embracing seasonal activities outdoors. These can all lead to not only reduced stress and anxiety that often arise from constant digital stimulation, but also better quality sleep, improved moods, and better relationships.” We asked Palak about some of her favorite screen- free activities, and she noted that it’s about more than simply finding an alternative to spending
time on your phone or computer—but embracing opportunities to truly connect with others and make lasting memories. Much of what we do on screens is passive activity, so the goal is to get actively engaged. She says, “In today’s digital world, it’s easy to be plugged in all the time, but this doesn’t allow for true rest and reconnection with yourself and the people around you, including your family. There are so many ways to tap into ideas that are nostalgic (even from our own childhoods) but create offline activities that everyone can enjoy. Many of the ideas I share are taken from my new book, Beautiful Everydays which offers dozens of screen-free activity suggestions that turn everyday experiences into memorable ones. Although these are seemingly simple concepts, it’s often through the simplicity that we can find the most joy. It’s not always about what we need to add in, but how we can use the moment in front of us to create presence.”
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