Unplug From Technology: 19 Ways To Spend Time Off The Grid

Seriously, put down the cell phone.

We've got a serious addiction to our cell phones.

In fact, research has shown that more than half of us may have "nomophobia," or the fear of being phone-less. Cell phone addictions can be just as real as other substance addictions. And students between ages 18 and 24 send an average of 109.5 text messages a day and check their phones an average of 60 times per day.

While it has yet to be defined in the DSM, experts characterize cell phone addiction by feelings of withdrawal when you're without it, compulsive checking of the phone and using it to feel good.

But we're here to tell you: There is more to life than texting. While we may fear the absence of our smartphones, unplugging does have its benefits: Taking 10-minute breaks can improve your productivity. And practicing mindfulness -- or the act of being present (read: not buried in your phone) -- has been shown to reduce stress, ward off symptoms of depression and anxiety and improve the ability to focus.

So, you want to unplug, but aren't sure where to begin. We've rounded up 19 things to do without your cell. Try them out, then let us know your other ideas for unplugging in the comments below.

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19 Ways To Unplug

Make sure to join our “Social Media Anxiety Disorder” Twitter chat before you unplug this Friday, March 1 at 12 p.m. ET. We'll be tweeting from @HealthyLiving and @GPSforSoul with the hashtag #SMAD.

For more on unplugging and recharging, click here.

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