Time To Unplug: Let’s Disconnect To Reconnect!

Our culture is over-connected and it's harming our relationships in many ways. We are losing our ability to be present and participate in what's currently happening to us and all around us. We allow ourselves to be pulled away from our surroundings with the next message, social post, or phone call.” The average person spends 10 hours online each day and sleeps less than seven hours each night. Worldwide, two-billion people own smartphones. Over a third of households subscribe to video-streaming services like Hulu, Netflix, or HBO Go. We have the option to stay connected at all times, but is it really necessary?

Sure, its nice to be able to call or text anyone you want, battle the correct answer to a question with a Google search, and look up the best pizza around you, but have we lost all concept of living in the moment?

While technology certainly helps us in many ways, it has also taken over many parts of out life. We have the convenience of having a connection to anything and anyone, at any time. It’s a wonderful thing to always be available for someone to get ahold of in an emergency or to be able to navigate from place to place with an instant GPS, and even be able to see your loved one's faces, any time you want! However, the constant ability to take work calls, text with people who aren’t with you, and answer emails can get in the way of spending quality time with the people you are actually with.

Perhaps, in many ways, it’s time for a social media and altogether, technology detox. We’re not suggesting you delete your Facebook account, always leaving your phone off, or narrowing down your apps, but we’d like to propose an idea to you. Why not consider setting a few rules for yourself, when it comes to technology? These are nothing too intense or difficult to follow, and if your phone and constant need for immediate email access is something incredibly important and necessary for your job, perhaps even take one of these “rules” into consideration.

It’s important to take some time to unplug and live in the moment because we don’t really need to be online, 24/7. Some ways to disconnect to reconnect with not only your loved ones, but also with yourself, include:
(1) Set boundaries.
If you’re using your phone, tablet, or laptop a lot after work to take calls, answer emails, and more, let people know that you have a cut off time. Think about telling business associates and clients that you won’t be answering calls or emails past 6pm and that you’ll be sure to get back to the them, first thing the following day. Make a rule for yourself that you won’t work on weekends, since those are your days off and time to spend some moments and experiences with your family.


(2) Have a designated “Check Out” time
It’s no secret that one of the best ways to ensure you fall asleep more quickly and sleep better, is to power off electronics and let your brain and eyes relax from the bright screens and constant interactions, about an hour before bedtime. Read a book, sip some tea, listen to music, spend time with your partner, talking about your day, or anything else that is relaxing and doesn’t require an internet connection.


(3) Make a rule for ‘No Technology During Dinner’
It’s such an easy rule to implement for the whole family. ‘No technology during dinner’. Dinner only lasts about an hour, so everyone will survive without having a phone in their hand or to their ear while the whole family sits together and enjoys a meal. Spending a little time together at the end of each day, discussing the events of the day and reconnecting as a family is so important; its a time-honored, classic, American family tradition and one that we could all use a little more of.




For the past few years, Pinot’s Palette has proudly honored the concept of ‘Disconnect to Reconnect’. We try to encourage everyone out there to take some time, every now and then, and disconnect from technology and all of the craziness of life, opting to relax and enjoy QUALITY time with the ones you love! This year is no different. We urge you to try a new and fun experience, like a painting and wine class, with friends or family, away from the computers and tablets, putting the right side of your brain to good use! Spend time in a fun and creative environment, painting and sipping wine, listening to great music, and making memories that will last a lifetime!

Here, at Pinot’s Palette, Brier Creek, we are a painting and wine class, dedicated to making sure you have a great time! We provide all of the supplies you’ll ned to go from blank canvas to masterpiece in just a 2-3 hour class. With one of our talented and encouraging instructors, walking you through the painting, step by step, and our helpful staff, pouring drinks and assisting you with you painting (should you need it), you’re in good hands here! If you live in or around the Raleigh-Durham area and are looking for a unique and fin way to spend some quality time with loved ones, look no further. At Pinot’s Palette, you’ll have fun discovering your inner-artist and making memories that will last forever(and you’ll have your souvenir masterpiece to always remind you of the fun time you had).

So, check out our entire calendar online (link, below), sign up for a class with your friends and family, turn those phones on silent, and get ready for an excellent night out!

Cheers!

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