One of the main draws of log cabin living is getting away from it all. Not only the lights and noise of the city, but also the ever-present distractions of our phones, TVs, and tech gadgets.
While completely unplugging isn’t possible or even desirable for most of us, the key is to strike a balance between being on and offline. And there’s no better place to do it than in a log cabin home.
Whether you’re thinking of making the move to full-time log cabin living or you want to join the ranks of people building unplugged cabins for weekend getaways, these tips will help you balance connectedness and solitude.
Set boundaries.
You can still have a high-tech cabin while establishing clear limits on your tech use. Avoid “doomscrolling” at night by keeping your phone in another room or setting a cut-off time for checking social media. Limit TV time to just 2 hours a day, so you can spend more time enjoying your surroundings.
Get outside.
Take advantage of your beautiful surroundings by spending as much time outdoors as possible. Go for nature walks and explore nearby national or state parks. Find the best places to work from home, whether it’s near a big picture window or out on the deck or porch where you can hear the birds sing.
Host a get-together.
Invite friends or family over for an in-person gathering. Sharing stories around a campfire, cooking meals together, or playing board games is a great way to reconnect with your favorite people while taking a break from the distractions of smartphones and tech gadgets.
Create an unplugging system.
Design a system that helps you stay off your devices when you need a break. Consider deleting or hiding social media apps on weekends or setting app timers to limit your usage. Pair up with an “unplugging buddy” to keep you accountable, or have a trusted friend change your social media passwords until a specified time to help you stay off the apps.
Focus on a hobby.
Dive into a hobby that doesn’t involve screens. Whether it’s learning to play an instrument (or picking one up again), doing crafts, solving crossword puzzles, or woodworking, hands-on activities are a great way to unplug. You’ll brush up on your skills while using your time creatively.
The Benefits of Unplugging
Taking a break from screens and connecting with others can reduce stress, anxiety, and even depression. Here are some of the benefits of unplugging, whether for a few hours a day or a few days a week.
Better mental health: Research has shown that reducing social media use can lead to better mental well-being for some people. That’s because the less time you spend on social media, the less likely you are to engage in comparison and validation-seeking behaviors.
Improved sleep quality: Unplugging from devices, especially before bedtime, can improve sleep quality by reducing exposure to blue light, which interferes with your natural sleep-wake cycle. By avoiding screens in the evening, you can fall asleep more easily and enjoy deeper, more restorative sleep.
Greater focus and productivity: Taking time away from constant digital distractions can help you regain focus and be more productive. Without interruptions and notifications, you can concentrate better on tasks and complete them more efficiently.
Stronger relationships: Unplugging allows you to engage more fully with the people around you, which can lead to deeper and more meaningful connections. By being present and attentive, you can improve your communication and strengthen your relationships with family and friends.
Increased creativity: Your mind needs space to wander—that’s when creativity really comes to the fore. When you’re not constantly consuming content, your brain can process information more freely, leading to new ideas and insights.
Internet Access in Rural Areas
While there are benefits to limiting screen time and occasionally unplugging completely, staying connected to the outside world is still vital. Getting a strong internet connection can be a challenge for log cabin dwellers who live in rural areas, however, as traditional broadband infrastructure doesn’t always reach these more remote locations.
The good news is there are alternatives, including satellite internet. With a satellite dish, you can access the internet from almost anywhere and get the connectivity you need to work from home, stay in touch with others, and enjoy online entertainment.
While satellite internet may not always offer the same speeds as urban broadband, it ensures that even in the most secluded areas you can stay connected and productive.
Build Your Dream Log Cabin with eLoghomes
Before you can enjoy an unplugged lifestyle at your log cabin, you need to build a log cabin! eLoghomes is here to help.
We’re a leading manufacturer and builder of log homes. Our catalog includes a huge variety of log cabin designs, from 400-4,000+ square feet. Whatever you envision, we can help make it a reality.
Find out how using a log cabin kit can help streamline the home-building process, then search our portfolio to find your perfect log cabin home!