Does Unplugging from Technology Enhance Creativity?

Unplugging from technology enhances creativity and productivity because it reduces distractions and helps you think more deeply/creatively about a problem.

It has become an important part of personal growth. Many people set policies that they don’t use their phones or social media after a certain time. And most agree that this can help them feel less distracted and more focused on what they need to get done. While unplugging is certainly beneficial for productivity and focus, it also has other benefits like enhancing our creativity and improving our health (e.g., sleeping and exercising).

Technology isn’t inherently bad. It’s how we use it that matters

Now that we live in the digital age, it’s easy to get caught up in technology. And while having a smartphone and internet connection isn’t inherently bad, it’s how we use it that matters. After all, there are times when it is important to be plugged into technology — like when you’re working or completing a task that requires you to check email or access information online.

But beyond that, staying plugged into technology doesn’t always benefit your creative process. Sometimes, being too attached to devices can have a negative impact on creativity.

Implementing time away from technology

Time away from technology gives the brain time to relax and process information that you accumulated during the day. If you can spend an hour or two away from your phone or computer, it will help you to be more focused and creative.

The first step is: Determine when you will unplug. One great way to do this is to pick one day per week when you will not be connected to the internet. If this seems too daunting, start with one night per week, followed by one weekend day per month (for example, Saturday). You can also determine when you will completely unplug during the week (after dinner or after work, for example).

Next is to tell your friends and family about your plan. If you’re planning on spending an evening unplugged from all forms of communication, at least they would know about it and won’t worry if they can’t contact you during those times. 

Inspiration can come from unexpected places

If you want to be more creative, leave your cell phone at home and spend more time outside, talking with people face-to-face. Wander around a city or take a walk through the woods; these are places where creativity awaits. Take photos that inspire you or jot down thoughts in a notebook; even if they’re not great work, they can spark new ideas. In addition, get rid of distractions at work and simply focus on one task at a time.

Takeaway

All of us have a relationship with technology, and the ways we use it to reflect our personalities. For some, it can be a distraction from other things in life. The constant alerts from social media, the endless email notifications, and the never-ending pings of texts can be detrimental to overall productivity. You can easily find yourself working hard to stay on top of your technology only to find that you’re not as productive as you’d like to be.

Technology should enhance your overall productivity, not detract from it. It should make your life easier, not more draining. It’s important to set aside time for yourself and your family so you can explore other interests. Unplugging from technology will help you reflect on what is going well in your life and how you want things to progress moving forward. When you take a step back from technology, you have a chance to consider what’s truly important. In many cases, getting connected again will help you move closer toward those goals, rather than further away from them.