Happy National Unplug Day! On this day, we should all take a break from the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives, get away from digital devices, and take some time to recharge by enjoying nature. Here are five activities to get you outside to appreciate the beauty of the natural world around us.
1 Backyard Target Practice
Shooting is a great way to practice your skills and have some fun outdoors. Whether you’re shooting at cans, clay pigeons, or paper targets, it’s an enjoyable way to unplug and spend some time in nature. Not only can you hone your skills, but you can also develop a better appreciation for the environment.
There are many backyard-friendly airguns, from bb guns to pellet guns, great for backyard target practice that you can enjoy by yourself or with friends and family. You could even turn it into a game with some paper gallery targets, such as Battle at Sea, or Starburst targets.
Just pick out a safe spot in your backyard and create a shooting lane by finding a flat surface to set up your targets and a firing line 15 to 20 feet away. You’ll want to make sure there is nothing behind your target area that will be damaged and have a backboard that will contain bbs or pellets. Everyone in the shooting area should wear eye protection in case the projectiles go astray and remove any pets from the area. Once you’re all set up, take a few deep breaths, aim, and fire away. When you engage in backyard target practice for National Unplug Day, not only will you enjoy some well-deserved time away from technology, but you’ll also gain some valuable skills.
2 Axe Throwing
Axe throwing is an outdoor activity that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It’s a great way to unplug and have some fun. Whether you’re an experienced axe thrower or a complete beginner, there are plenty of opportunities to practice and improve your skills.
To get started, all you need is an axe, a target, and a safe place to practice. If you don’t have an axe, you can get one from the knives and tools section here at Pyramyd AIR. To create your target, you’ll need a large piece of wood, some target markers, and a sturdy frame or tree to attach it to. Check out our DIY Axe Throwing Target article. Once your target is ready, it’s time to start throwing.
Safety should always be your first priority when it comes to axe throwing. Be sure to keep your distance from the target, and wear proper clothing and shoes. Practice good form, aim carefully, and always be aware of your surroundings. With the right safety precautions and a bit of practice, you can master the art of axe throwing in no time.
3 Small Game Hunting
If you’re looking to get outdoors and reconnect with nature, small game hunting is the perfect way to unplug. Whether you’re out for a day trip or an overnight trip, it gives you time to explore the world and observe wildlife.
When small game hunting, you’ll want to make sure you’re properly prepared. Make sure to check your local laws and get all the necessary licenses and permits, and stay within species season and bag limits. Make sure to bring the right clothing, a good pair of binoculars, snacks, and plenty of water. If you can bring family or friends with you, it’ll be even more memorable.
If you need hunting equipment, we have several pages of air rifles perfect for small game hunting. Don’t forget to stock up on pellets, you wouldn’t want to run out while you’re in the field. If rifles aren’t your thing, check out our crossbows.
Small game hunting can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Not only will you get to observe wildlife up close, but you’ll also be helping to manage wildlife populations while getting some great exercise.
4 Airsoft Skirmish
Another great way to unplug and enjoy time in the great outdoors is with an airsoft skirmish. Airsoft is a sport that uses replica guns to simulate combat situations. Players typically divide into two teams and shoot each other with plastic pellets. The goal of the game is for one team to outwit and outmaneuver the other team in order to win.
Airsoft skirmishes can be played in various settings like forests, parks, fields, or abandoned buildings. You’ll need protective gear, such as eye protection, a face mask, clothing to help you blend in, airsoft ammo, and an airsoft gun that suits your needs. It’s also important to play with honor and respect the environment around you.
A great thing about airsoft is that it provides a safe and exciting way to experience military-style tactics. It’s also a great way to build teamwork and improve communication skills while having fun outdoors. So why not give it a try this National Unplug Day? All you need is some gear, some friends, and a good plan.
5 Paintball Game
Our final suggestion to enjoy National Unplug Day is with a paintball game. It’s a team game that involves two teams competing against each other in a simulated battle. The objective is to shoot opponents with paintballs from special paintball guns. This exciting game is both physically and mentally challenging.
To play paintball, you’ll need some special equipment. This includes a paintball gun (or marker), some protective gear, and a mask. You’ll also need to find a field or woods to play your game. There may also be a paintball park in your area where you can rent equipment to see if you like the game before you invest in your own. They may also have a league set up that you could join.
If you’re playing on your own, make sure all participants have the proper safety equipment and that everyone knows the rules of the game. Once you’re out in the field, it’s time to play. Each team will attempt to hit the opposing team players with their paintballs to mark them “out” while also attempting to achieve the other objectives to win the game, whether it’s capturing the flag, or taking over the base.
Paintball can be a great way to unplug and get outside for some fun. Get your friends together and have an exciting day of adventure and competition. You’re sure to have a blast.
National Unplug Day is the perfect opportunity to disconnect from technology and reconnect with people and nature. Spending time in nature will not only help you destress but also help you appreciate the beauty that is all around you while recharging your energy both physically and emotionally. So take some time off and enjoy the outdoors and try some new activities with family and friends.
Being blessed with a backyard large enough to practice the first three suggestions – to a limit of 25 yards – second them and the others as well for those who are into that kind of fun. The most important piece of advice is to ditch the technology for a while and enjoy the real world. Connect to reality, disconnect from the unreal and irrelevant. Don’t forget to turn off the TV.
Now to try and stay away from digital playthings the rest of the day, and beyond. 😉
Pyramyd Insyder, really, nothing but an advert?!
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For those readers who may like to be reminded of how to connect with nature, I offer three ideas:
1) Nature makes me think of plants – so, I suggest to look at plants, or even better, look at one plant or, better yet, look very closely at a part of one plant.
I sometimes find, taking a close-up picture helps me focus, but, by far the best aid for me, is to sketch, for example just one leaf.
Doesn’t matter that I’m no artist because that sketch is for my eyes only. 🙂
2) Nature for me, means animals too – so, when I’m outdoors, I might find somewhere to sit and be still, while observing my surroundings. It takes nature about five minutes, or less, to settle from the impact of my intrusion/ presence and for some critter to reveal itself.
If I’m with someone at the time, I’ll challenge them who can first spot the bird, insect or whatever.
So simple and so enjoyable. 🙂
3) Nature always has some kind of fragrance – so, while walking slowly or ambling along outdoors, I will deliberately raise my gaze to the horizontal or above, and while counting, consciously inhale through my nose, then exhale for about twice as long through my mouth.
I can raise my awareness by closing my eyes during the air intake. Repeated a dozen times is all it takes to make me feel good. 🙂