Unplugging: The Ultimate Act of Rebellion for Midlife Women
In a world where we’re constantly tethered to our devices, the idea of unplugging feels almost revolutionary. Especially for midlife women, who often find themselves at the epicenter of a digital storm. We’re not just scrolling—we’re on call 24/7, juggling the needs of aging parents, teenagers, and sprawling social networks. What makes this particularly interesting is how this constant connectivity has become a silent expectation, blurring the lines between duty and digital overload.
The Weight of Always Being 'On'
Imagine being part of a 500-member WhatsApp group—a chaotic yet indispensable lifeline. Or receiving 15-minute voice notes from friends, which pile up like unread emails. Personally, I find that this digital deluge isn’t just about FOMO (fear of missing out); it’s about the fear of letting someone down. When my 70-year-old mum doesn’t reply to a text, my mind races. When my 12-year-old is out, my phone becomes a security blanket. This isn’t just about staying connected—it’s about the emotional labor of kinship care, a role women often shoulder. What many people don’t realize is how this ‘always on’ culture erodes our boundaries, leaving us perpetually drained.
Why Unplugging is Radical Self-Care
This weekend, as we celebrate International Women’s Day and the Global Day of Unplugging, the juxtaposition feels poignant. At first glance, unplugging might seem counterintuitive to empowerment. But as a digital wellness expert, I argue it’s the ultimate feminist act. Why? Because it challenges the unspoken expectation that women must always be available. In my opinion, stepping away from our devices is a way to reclaim our time, energy, and sanity. It’s about saying, ‘I matter, and so does my rest.’
The Broader Perspective: Tech-Intentional Living
During my Churchill Fellowship research in Silicon Valley, I was struck by how deeply adults struggle with their own phone usage—not just their kids. Modern life has turned us into human routers, constantly redirecting attention to the next demand. One thing that stands out here is how sleep, the ultimate act of surrender, has become a battleground. We sleep with our phones, fearing a missed call from a child or parent. How did we let technology infiltrate even our dreams?
Practical Rebellion: How to Unplug
Unplugging doesn’t mean going off-grid. It’s about being tech-intentional. Here are some insights from my book, Screensaver, and my work as a coach:
- Banish the Bedroom Phone: Charge your phone outside the bedroom. An alarm clock is a small price for reclaiming your sleep sanctuary.
- Create Screen-Free Zones: Start with dinnertime. A basket for devices can become a symbol of reconnection.
- Delegate Emergencies: If unplugging feels risky, share a trusted contact’s number. It’s not about disappearing—it’s about setting boundaries.
- Go Dumb(er): Swap your smartphone for a ‘brick’ phone on weekends. Simplicity can be liberating.
The Takeaway: Permission to Pause
Unplugging isn’t just about silence—it’s about reclaiming agency. In a culture that glorifies busyness, taking a break is an act of defiance. Whether it’s a nap, a book, or a walk, these moments of disconnection are how we reconnect with ourselves. As midlife women, we’re often the glue holding relationships together, but even glue needs time to set. So, this weekend, give yourself permission to unplug. It’s not just self-care—it’s self-preservation. And in a world that demands our constant attention, that’s the most revolutionary act of all.
