Skip to navigation Skip to content
Text Alerts
Report a Concern Donate Sign In

Unplug to Recharge

unplug

Unplug for 30 minutes a day from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Change your background to real trees, catch a livestream (aka a creek), wander the web (the spider-web kind), and look up to see what’s really in the clouds. Because believe it or not, unplugging is the best way to recharge. 

 

Why Unplug?

7+ hours

The average adult in the U.S. spends more than seven hours a day looking at screens!

20 minutes

Spending just 20 minutes in nature can significantly reduce stress levels.

30 minutes

Thirty minutes of outdoor activity can boost mood and mental well-being.

2 hours

People who spend at least two hours in nature each week report better overall health.

60 minutes

Avoiding screens for one hour before bed can improve sleep quality. (Time outdoors during the day is also proven to help support healthy sleep.)

20% improvement

People perform about 20% better on memory and attention tests after walking in nature compared with walking in urban settings.

Take the Challenge!

Commit to unplugging for 30 minutes each day and spend that time exploring nature. 

After you take the pledge, you can sign up for bi-weekly emails with unplugging tips, nature facts, and ideas to help keep the momentum going all summer long.

As a thank-you, participants can stop by a visitor center or Forest Preserve District headquarters to pick up a free Unplug to Recharge sticker and cinch backpack while supplies last. 

Tracker
Download the challenge tracker and mark each day you spend 30 minutes outdoors.

Ways to Unplug

Hit ESC.

Step away from the keyboard and onto a forest preserve trail.

Reboot.

Lace up your hiking boots, and start fresh on a trail.

Sync to the Cloud.

Look up and watch the real ones drifting overhead.

Clear Your Cache.

Take a quiet moment to watch the squirrels at work.

Change Your Background.

Swap your screen saver for real-time views.

Join a Live Stream.

Find a creek, river, or wetland, and watch the water flow.

Coming This Summer:

Check back in May for more details.

AAA-159
Videos
597A9571-Enhanced-NR
Blogs
group-hikes-trail-hiking-boots-©-Diego-Cervo-Shutterstock-900-600
Guided Walks
heidi-carpenter-holds-camera-feature
Photo Contest
597A7280 (1)

Ready to Unplug?

Take the pledge and make time for nature this summer!

Upcoming Programs & Events