“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” – author Anne Lamott
Smartphones, computers, smart home devices, gaming systems… it seems like we’re always connected, reachable, and entertained. However, one global holiday is encouraging a moment to unplug and disconnect from our screens.
The Global Day of Unplugging has been celebrated annually during the first weekend of March since 2009. Now in 2024, people around the world are taking some time between sundown March 1 and sundown March 2 to turn off their devices, step away from screens, and engage with the real world around them.
There’s no better place to fall back in love with the natural world than the Pennsylvania Wilds! In fact, people travel (and live here) specifically for the reason that there is so much natural beauty and outdoor recreation to enjoy.
The PA Wilds region is home to more than 2 million acres of public land, 50 state game lands, 29 state parks, 8 state forests, 2 National Wild & Scenic Rivers, abundant wildlife, hundreds of miles of land and water trails, some of the darkest skies in the country, and the largest elk herd in the northeast. Our small-town communities are friendly and welcoming, and you’ll likely find a community event to get involved in no matter what time of the year it is.
It’s easy to disconnect, even temporarily, from your screens in the PA Wilds. Families plan camping trips with their kids, watching as they set down their cellphones in favor of picking up a fishing pole or a stick to roast marshmallows. Artists bring their watercolors to the edge of rivers and lakes, plugging directly into the inspiration of the outdoors. Folks take a quick hike to go “forest bathing” or even practice yoga while balancing up against a majestic tree. Friends meet at community festivals in the parks or get together for drinks at the many wineries and breweries throughout the region. Memories are made and relationships are strengthened, without ever missing your screens.
The Global Day of Unplugging is a temporary but intentional shift into offline activity and in-person interaction.
Even just a few hours without screentime can help you reflect on your relationship with technology! How do you feel without a cellphone in your hand? What things are you able to do that you might have otherwise not made time for? Do you feel less distracted and more in-the-moment? In what ways are you thankful for technology, and in what ways is it hindering your experiences?
The Global Day of Unplugging is organized by Unplug Collaborative, a nonprofit that supports educators, leaders, and event hosts who want to see their communities elevate human connection over digital engagement any day of the year. Learn more at GlobalDayOfUnplugging.org.
Author: Britt Madera
Britt joined the PA Wilds team as communications manager in 2022, helping to tell the stories that make our region so unique, whether that is covering our beautiful landscapes, the innovative businesses, or the spunky people that call it home. She had worked the last 10 years in radio and news broadcasting, and now she’s continuing to connect media outlets with positive news stories. Britt oversees external communications, media relations, and paid and volunteer content on the blog. As someone who grew up in Clearfield County and moved back shortly after college, Britt is eager to share her passion for the PA Wilds and help our area grow and shine.