The "Day to Disconnect" initiative was launched by Ohr Naava, a nonprofit women's organization, and joined by Unplug and ReconnectTM, an organization dedicated to educating people on the importance of unplugging from technology and reconnecting with people.
Each person is encouraged to pledge one or more hours, with the ultimate goal of raising 1,000,000 Unplugged hours on that one day.
To date, more than 100,000 people have viewed the campaign YouTube videos, and tens of thousands of hours have been pledged. Those who registered have indicated they will spend their unplugged time in pursuits such as committing to quality time with loved ones, meditating, reading, learning, gardening, cooking, basking in tranquility, or, as one person said, "just being."
"In this digital age, we need to achieve a new balance in our lives," says Dr. Joseph Geliebter, a clinical psychologist and founder of Unplug and Reconnect. "Our motto at Unplug and Reconnect is 'Love Technology... Love People More!'
"Technology allows us to be more efficient and productive, which should translate to having more time for loved ones. Yet, too often, we become preoccupied with technology, spending more and more of our free time with it."
Day to Disconnect is about awareness, to help start the conversation on technology dependence. "Do we think that a few hours can make a difference? Yes, we do," says Dr. Geliebter. "Certainly, an hour is only a first step, but based on the overwhelming response to the campaign, people are looking for the permission to unplug."
Register your hours of unplugging at www.unplugreconnect.com and refer the campaign to your family and friends using the "Send to Friends" feature!
About Unplug and ReconnectTM
Created in response to our current state of digital overload, Unplug and Reconnect is leading the movement for people to find a balance between their technology-laden, multitasking selves and their creative, social and spiritual selves - to benefit from one while sustaining the other. The initiative was inspired by Mind Over Body® Inc., a division of Comprehensive Network® Inc. Since its founding in 1985, Comprehensive Network Inc has been a peerless innovator in all things education and healthcare related. Caring for the health and well-being of their professionals and clients has been an integral part of their corporate philosophy. Mind Over Body, a life enhancement program, is a revolutionary concept for personal health management intended to reduce stress and enhance personal relationships.
