

March 4, 2023
Technology is integrated into the fabric of our society and it is impossible to avoid, but that does not mean it needs to dominate our lives. Excessive use of electronic devices without breaks can impact our mental and physical health. Being aware of the time we spend in front of screens and making an effort to unplug from them is a great way to remain connected to the natural world and recharge our batteries.
The COVID-19 Pandemic increased screen time on a global scale. According to the CDC, children ages 8-18 spend an average of 7.5 hours in front of a screen using entertainment media, not including time spent on computers for educational purposes. Over the course of one year, that equals 114 days in front of a screen!
According to an annual report on digital trends, by the end of 2021, kids and teens were spending an average of 91 minutes per day watching TikTok and 56 minutes per day watching YouTube. Additionally, the Pew Research Center report that only 6% of men and 4% of women had at least one social media account in 2005 compared to 66% of men and 78% of women in 2021. Prolonged use of electronic devices and social media has been proven to have several negative impacts on our overall health, including blurred vision, neck discomfort, loneliness, increased stress, depression, and a lack of motivation and concentration.
March 4th is National Day of Unplugging, which encourages everyone to take a break from technology for a 24-hour period to unwind and engage in things other than technology. If a 24-hour period seems too difficult, here are a few tips to get you started.
• Track your usage and set screen time limits on your devices
• Plan screen free activities and leave your technology at home
• Take media breaks 1-2 days per week outside of work-related hours
• Identify and designate specific technology-free areas in your home
• Turn off phone notifications for email, social media, and other apps
Any of the above tips, combined with spending more time outdoors in nature can help lead to an increase in energy, improved vitality and focus, and positively affect your overall mood. Spending just 15-20 minutes in sunlight, 3 days per week can increase levels of vitamin D which strengthens the immune system, promotes healthy bones, improves brain function, and helps lower blood pressure and the risk of heart disease. On this National Day of Unplugging, we encourage you to try trading in your cell phones, television, and video games for outdoor recreation, social engagement, and personal discovery.
Whether with us or on your own… Unplug and find your outlet!
9:00-10:00am Introduction to Tai Chi, Age 16+ (9801.1231 | FREE)
Unplug with meditation and movement in a beautiful park setting! Location: Conejo Creek North Park
9:30-10:20am Goat Yoga, Age 16+ (9801.1232 | $30)
Invigorate your body through a variety of poses in a beautiful outdoor setting. Start your day fresh and with renewed energy with a Yoga practice in the outdoors and fresh air.
This yoga class is for everyone from beginner to more seasoned participants. Instructor will provide modifications for all levels Location: Dos Vientos Community Park
9:30-11:00am Wildflower Walk, Age 8+ (9801.1233 | $6)
Take a leisurely walk in Wildwood Park to find and identify Southern California's beautiful native spring wildflowers. Location: Wildwood Regional Park.
10:00-11:30am Mozart and Canvas Adventure, Age 5-12 (9801.1234 | $15)
Be inspired by nature and musical notes as we paint masterpieces creek side under the tree canopy. Location: Conejo Center
10:00-11:30am Dino Adventure, Age 3-9 (9801.1235 | $25)
Transform into young Paleontologists as we create our own clay-fossils, play dino games, and search for hidden dinosaurs along this short shaded trail. Must be with an adult. Location: Conejo Center
10:00-11:00am Beginning Archery @ Conejo Center, Age 8-13 (9801.1236 | $11)
11:30am-12:30pm Beginning Archery @ Conejo Center, Age 8-13 (9801.1237 | $11)
Try your hand at archery. Our staff will provide all of the necessary equipment and teach you how to shoot safely. Take your shot and get outdoors. Location: Conejo Center
11:00am-12noon Family Dance Party, Age 5+ (9801.1238 | FREE)
Join us and unplug as our teachers lead you in some exciting family dancing fun! Location: Conejo Community Park
12noon-3:00pm OPEN SWIM, All ages (FREE)
Splash away the afternoon with some fun in the sun! Don't forget your sunscreen! Location: Community Pool at CLU
12:30-4:30pm OPEN SKATE, All ages (FREE)
Grab you board; let's skate! Meet and greet with Borchard Skatepark staff at 12:30-2:30pm. Location: Borchard Skatepark
1:00-2:00pm Beginning Archery @ Dos Vientos, Age 8-13 (9801.1239 | $11)
2:00-3:00pm Beginning Archery @ Dos Vientos, Age 8-13 (9801.1230 | $11)
Try your hand at archery. Our staff will provide all of the necessary equipment and teach you how to shoot safely. Take your shot and get outdoors! Location: Dos Vientos Center.
1:30-3:00pm Succulent Potting and Design, Age 8+ (9801.1231 | $10)
Unplug, learn, and get creative while getting your hands dirty! Paint the pot, then plant a variety of succulents in it to take home. Location: Goebel Adult Community
Center.
4:00-6:00pm Community Picnic - African Drum and Dance Show! (FREE)
End your day of unplugging at the Conejo Community Center and Park for a family picnic and Interactive African Drum and Dance Show. Bring a picnic dinner and enjoy with your family. Show begins at 5pm. Location: Conejo Community Park