National Day of Unplugging 2021

Following a year where digital interactions eclipsed real-world connections in business, academic and social settings, the 2021 National Day of Unplugging has never been more necessary. At a time where we’re all dealing with Zoom fatigue and digital burnout, a 24-hour respite from technology is exactly what’s needed. While being so plugged in is an unavoidable fact of life these days, there is no denying too much screen time has numerable adverse side effects from interfering with our sleep, to hampering our creativity.
Make a plan to unplug this March 5th! Here are some things you can do instead of using your devices:
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Have a Game Night
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Ride a Bike
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Take a Hike

If biking isn’t your thing, but you still want to hit the trails, there are also a ton of great walking trails to explore in and around Baltimore. Some of our favorites include the Lake Roland Park Red Trail and the Patterson Park Trail.
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Go on a Picnic
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Read a Book
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Do Nothing

Rebel against the attention economy and simply do nothing! Shut off all distractions, close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Who knows? Maybe it will lead to a daily meditation routine!
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Take a Nap

Napping can improve your memory, lift your mood and ease stress. Just remember to keep it quick. A nap more than 30 minutes can result in sleep inertia and make you actually feel groggier. Yikes.
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Volunteer
Give back to your community and volunteer your time with one of Baltimore’s many charitable organizations. Help the Baltimore Hunger Project pick up and deliver food, prepare a meal for The Baltimore Station, or help Cylburn Arboretum maintain its deer fences.
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Visit a Museum
While some museums remained closed due to COVID-19, some of Baltimore’s best museums are still open with precautionary methods in place. Spend some time appreciating the 10-foot statue of late Baltimore actor Divine at the American Visionary Art Museum or admiring the B&O Railroad Museum’s collection of 19th century steam locomotives.
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Learn Your History
Take a tour of some of Baltimore’s most historically significant spots. Pay your respects to the great American poet Edgar Allen Poe with a visit to the Westminster Burying Grounds. See the house where F. Scott Fitzgerald lived when he wrote Tender is the Night. Explore Maryland’s Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. There’s no shortage of historically significant places to visit in Baltimore!
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Take Max for a Walk
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Try a New Recipe
Put your new Instant Pot to good use and try one of these comfort food recipes, satisfy your wanderlust with one of these world cuisine recipes, or spoil yourself with one of these truly decadent dessert recipes.
Will you be unplugging for National Day of Unplugging on March 5th? Let us know how you plan to spend your disconnected time in the comments!