This year’s Global Day of Unplugging takes place on March 7th. For the full 24-hour period from sundown on March 7th to sundown on March 8th, participants around the world are encouraged to turn off their devices and be fully present in their offline activities. It’s an initiative that’s been going on for a decade – and in an increasingly digital world, it’s becoming more and more important.

While it’s only for a day, participating in the Day of Unplugging helps to ground us in reality and recognize the importance of our offline interests and connections. With one in three US adults admitting that they are online “almost constantly”, and the US Surgeon General warning of an epidemic of loneliness and isolation, this initiative can serve as a much-needed reminder of the richness of life beyond our screens.

On the global day of unplugging - and every other day - businesses can help fight against loneliness by promoting the development of hobbies and social connections. This could look like hosting monthly social events like a happy hour or book club or spreading the word about unplugging initiatives within your community. You can encourage your audience to ditch their screens and try something new with activity-based promotional gifts.

Gifts to Get Moving

Physical activity is so important for a healthy lifestyle, and it releases feel-good chemicals in our brains that can help combat loneliness. Plus, exercising is a great way to get out there in your community, creating an opportunity to make new social connections! Exercise gear like jump ropes and yoga mats make incredible gifts to encourage healthy movement. Game or sport-based items like flying discs and golf accessories can be another great way to go!

Gifts to Get Cooking

Cooking is not only a valuable skill, but it can also be a wonderfully fulfilling hobby. A surprising number of people don’t feel comfortable with their cooking skills - and since eating is something that we all do, when we learn to cook, we create an opportunity for food prep to become a beloved pastime spent on our own or with family and friends.

Why not give your audience some basic tools to get started in the kitchen or on the grill? The gift of a beautiful BBQ set, cutting board, or apron might just inspire them to enjoy the art of cooking.

Gifts to Get Creative

There is something so powerful about putting pen to paper - journaling, jotting down our thoughts, or even doodling freely can help us to connect with ourselves, creating an almost meditative experience where we create space to reflect on our thoughts, our feelings, and the events of our day. Encourage your audience to slow down and take time away from screens and social media, to connect and reflect through the act of writing or drawing! A high-quality pen, a journal-style notebook, and maybe a set of coloured pencils are all they will need to get started.

Taking time to disconnect from the digital world can have profoundly positive impacts on our mental health and overall well-being. There’s a whole world out there to explore, so let’s encourage our friends, families, customers, and employees to take advantage of it!