WATCH: Celebrating World Unplugged Day
Global Day of Unplugging is an event held every year on the first Friday in March that encourages families to step away from screens and spend time with each other.
To celebrate the day, “Good Morning America” hosted parenting expert Erica Sautter to discuss ways families can “unplug.”
Sauter said the most important way to disconnect is obvious: turn off your cell phone, computer, television, personal assistants and video games.
“The purpose of this day is to show that you don't need to have your devices on you all the time,” Sauter said. “While this is a frightening prospect for most people, take solace in the fact that the majority of them will be asleep.”
She also offered some suggestions for what you and your family can do during the screen-free time that can easily fill an entire day.
Treasure hunt exploring nature
“You don't need any fancy accessories,” she explained. “Just make a list of things you can find outside: a green car, a red bird, a person wearing orange sneakers, a small dog, a big dog, a person laughing, a spider web, etc. And give them a little prize. A little incentive makes it more fun.”
Small acts of kindness
Souter's ideas about kindness are simple yet impactful ways to reach out and improve your community.
“We're going to deliver cookies to the fire station across the street,” she told GMA, adding, “Maybe we'll deliver a flower to a neighbor or shovel their snow.”
Helping those in need
Many of us have far more material possessions than we actually need, so consider giving up the excess for a good cause.
“Anyone can go through their closets, their books, their toy boxes and so on to find items they can donate,” Sauter said.
Cooking a meal together
Unplugging days are a great time to try out new recipes together as a family. Whether your family loves pancakes or a tasty meal with that popular chicken hack, write the recipes down in advance so they don't scroll through screen-free time.
Learn something new
Sauter suggests options like “origami, dancing, knitting,” but the options for family learning activities are endless. Browse activity books or search for local classes to find activities available in your area.
In addition to the suggestions above, crafts and games are also great ways to unplug and spend the day. Below, we've got some suggestions from Lindsey Peers, owner of Craft Studio NYC, and “GMA's” picks for games you can play to get away from your phones and stay in tune with each other.
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DIY Bath Bombs
You can use a tennis ball as a mold by carefully cutting it in half, or you can get the molds linked below and create fun bath bombs at home.
“Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl and the wet ingredients in a small bowl,” Piers said of this super easy spa day craft you can do at home. “Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir quickly. Mix until light and fluffy, then fill both halves of the bowl or mould completely and press together until set!”
Once dry, place it in a warm bath for a relaxing soak.
material
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup citric acid
1/2 cup baking soda
1/3 cup Epsom salts
1 1/2 teaspoons coconut or castor oil
1/2 teaspoon essential oil
1/2 tablespoon water
Food coloring
Purchase the following materials:
12 DIY Metal Bath Bomb Molds, Set of 6
Price: $9.99 from Amazon
Amazon Fresh, Cornstarch, 16 oz. Brand: Ama
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Myriade Citric Acid – 100% Pure Food Grade Non-GMO Project Verified (2 lbs)
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365 by Whole Foods Market, Baking Soda, 16 oz.
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Dr. Teal's Salt Soak Pure Epsom Salt Eucalyptus & Spearmint Relax & Relief 3 lbs
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PURE AROMA Essential Oil 100% Pure Oil Kit
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Virgin Coconut Oil, 16 fl oz – Non-GMO, Cold Pressed, Unrefined Coconut Oil, Certified Organic – Naturally Flavored Coconut Oil Perfect for Cooking and Baking
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Food Coloring Set – 12 Food Grade Vibrant Food Dyes
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Homemade body scrub
This recipe is even easier! Simply mix all the ingredients in one bowl and divide into storage jars.
material
1 cup cane sugar
1 to 2 tablespoons of safflower oil
5-10 drops of lemon essential oil
5-10 drops of lavender essential oil
Purchase materials:
Domino Granulated Sugar 4 lbs.
Price: $4.99 from Amazon
Daana Safflower Oil: USDA Organic, Extra Virgin, Cold Pressed, High Oleic (12 oz)
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MAJESTIC PURE Lemon Essential Oil, Premium Grade, Pure and Natural Premium Quality Oil, 4 fl oz
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From Amazon
Original: $17.55
MAJESTIC PURE Premium Grade Lavender Essential Oil, Aromatherapy, Massage, Topical, 4 fl oz
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Homemade lip balm
This recipe makes 6-8 lip balms depending on your storage container. Place all ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 30 second increments, stirring, until melted. Once melted, carefully pour into container and refrigerate to set.
material:
4 tablespoons beeswax
4 tablespoons oil
1 teaspoon Vitamin E Oil
5-10 drops of lavender essential oil
Purchase materials:
White Beeswax Pellets 2LB 100% Pure and Natural, Triple Filtered, for Skin, Face, Body and Hair Care DIY Creams, Lotions, Lip Balms, Soap Making Supplies
Price: $12.59 10% Discount
From Amazon
Original: $13.99
Virgin Coconut Oil, 16 fl oz – Non-GMO, Cold Pressed, Unrefined Coconut Oil, Certified Organic – Naturally Flavored Coconut Oil Perfect for Cooking and Baking
Price: $8.99 from Amazon
Bio Oil Skin Care Body Oil
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MAJESTIC PURE Peppermint Essential Oil, Premium Grade, Pure and Natural Premium Quality Oil, 4 fl oz
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From Amazon
Original: $17.55
Wet n Wild Lipstick Mega Last High Shine Lipstick
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Fun games for the whole family
The Original “The Floor is Lava!” Game by Endless Games – Interactive Game for Kids and Adults – Promotes Physical Activity – Safe for Indoors and Outdoors
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From Amazon
Original: $21.99
GoSports Ladder Toss Indoor/Outdoor Game Set with 6 Soft Rubber Bolo Balls and Travel Carry Case – Choose Pro or Classic
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Original: $32.99
More “GMA” Games & Outdoors Picks
Mattel Games Giant UNO Card Game for Kids, Adults and Family Nights with Oversized Cards and Customizable Wild Cards for 2-10 Players
Price: $14.49 30% Discount
From Amazon
Original: $20.99
Tacos vs Burritos Family Board Game
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Exploding Kittens Happy Salmon Family Party – Card Game for Adults, Teens and Kids
Price: $12.99 from Amazon
BooTaa 29-inch Large Dart Board for Kids
Price: $13.42 · 21% Discount
From Amazon
Original: $16.99