March 4th is National Day of Unplugging. It's a time to take a bit of a break from technology in our lives to enjoy better mental health. But unplugging doesn't have to be all or nothing. It's more about becoming aware, reflecting, finding balance, and having fun!

National Day of Unplugging provides a great reason for us to connect with people in personal ways, engage in non-tech activities, and try new tech-habits that we can use long-term to support our tech-life balance.

Here are five easy ways to disconnect on the National Day of Unplugging, from digital wellness expert Taino Bendz.

• Manage Device Notifications. Which notifications do you really need? Turn the rest off! So simple, yet so powerful to take control of your attention.
• Take the Day Off Social Media. Let friends & family know in advance how to reach you. Replace your freed-up time with activities that you enjoy.
• Have a Device-Free Evening. Read a book, play games, cook a nice meal, exercise.
• Reflect and Talk to Someone About Technology. What are the positive sides? What are the negative? What would you like to change?
• Consider Your News Diet. With everything going on in the world it can be important to stay on top of the news, but it also takes a toll on our mental health if we do it constantly. Decide how often you want to get news updates. Think about what you do with the information received. And don't forget to use high credibility channels, check sources, be critical, and be aware of fake news.

We need to reflect on our technology use now more than ever. Because the more dependent we get on technology, the more vital it is to have a balanced relationship with it.

Taino Bendz is the founder of Phone Free Day and his own consulting business, and his message on mindful and intentional technology usage has reached and inspired hundreds of thousands of people around the world. He is a public speaker, workshop facilitator, and conducts research on digital technology usage.

For more info about Taino's upcoming book on Tech-Life Balance, visit - www.tainobendz.com/book

For more ideas, resources and to take the pledge, visit - www.nationaldayofunplugging.com