As the semester gets busy and screens start to take over just about everything, it can be nice to have a reason to slow things down for a bit. At Northern Michigan University, a wellbeing experience invited students to step away from the usual routines and try something a little different. It was a chance to reset, refocus and explore new ways to be more present — all in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
“Unplugged Mindset is an event designed to make students aware of the harmful impact of having too much screen time in our lives,” Julia Illy explained. It was held in Jamrich on Feb. 17 from 6pm-7pm. “It addresses the addictive nature of screens and offers alternative activities to pursue instead of spending time on screens,” she said.
In a college environment where laptops, phones and tablets are constant companions, moments of intentional reflection can feel rare. Screens help students stay organized, complete assignments and stay connected — but they can also quietly occupy every spare minute. Events like this are not about rejecting technology altogether. Instead, they offer a chance to pause, notice daily habits and consider what a healthier balance with devices might look like.
The experience is organized through NMU WellBeing, a campus department dedicated to supporting the overall health of the university community. Its work extends beyond individual programs or short-term awareness campaigns. The broader mission centers on helping students, staff and faculty develop sustainable habits that support long-term well-being across multiple areas of life.
“As a team, we want to continue raising awareness of the resources on campus for students, staff and faculty,” Illy said. “We aim to assist the NMU community in finding ways to nurture all eight dimensions of their well-being by offering a wide variety of events.”
That comprehensive approach is reflected in how the department plans each semester. In addition to hosting events, the team has expanded opportunities for participants to build practical life skills in supportive, low-pressure environments — creating space not just for awareness, but for meaningful, lasting growth.
From the department’s perspective, stepping back from screens fits naturally into this larger picture of holistic health. Illy noted that reducing screen time can positively affect several areas at once — from physical wellness to social connection to intellectual engagement.
More than anything, events like Unplugged Mindset are meant to feel approachable. There’s no expectation that participants will completely change their habits overnight. Instead, the focus is on awareness, curiosity, and small shifts that can make everyday life feel a little more balanced.
Looking ahead, the department plans to keep offering new opportunities throughout the semester. “We will be hosting many more events this semester — check The Hub to see what’s coming next,” Illy said. She also noted that customized workshops are available for residence halls, student organizations, or campus events by request.
For students at Northern Michigan University, that means plenty of chances to explore wellbeing in ways that feel practical, relevant and personal. In the middle of a busy semester, a small pause from the constant buzz of notifications can be a welcome change of pace.
