Break clear away once in a while and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean. John Muiz.
Legitimately unplugging may require a little planning, but the return on investment is monumental. It is imperative to self-preservation and restoration. There is nothing worse than needing a vacation from your vacation or spending your day off “connected” to work. We are inundated by social media and technology but it is okay to take a break and unplug from it all.
Technology is a big plus in most people’s day to day lives. However, it can be a tremendous stressor. It helps to blur the lines between work and life. It can completely inhibit our ability to just be.
How many of us grab our devices first thing in the morning before we are fully awake? We begin by checking email, then Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, the latest news and sports. From the alarm clock to our personal assistant, we rely on devices for literally everything. It becomes impossible to let go of the devices that control our life.
There are many ways to “unplug”. From one extreme – going on a retreat where you are completely off the grid with no internet/cell phone service to checking emails/texts once an hour to turning your devices off at 6 pm. All are excellent ways to unplug. I would start gradually and work your way up to going completely off the grid; even if only for a day or weekend.
Not everything is URGENT. We do not need to respond instantly. Many think this can make you less productive. Studies actually show the opposite.
I would recommend starting out small and gradually get to the point of completely unplugging for a period of time. Test your will power slowly. Stay away from your devices for increments of 30 minutes at a time. Try waiting an hour to check your phone when you first wake up. Turn off your devices an hour before going to bed. Keep your devices in another room so you are not tempted. The goal would be to be able to focus on the task at hand without your devices.
Rediscover analog activities. Connect to your inner awareness, slow down and be present. Try doing a crossword puzzle, playing a board game or enjoying the book you have been trying to read. There are all sorts of activities you can enjoy device free; cooking, baking, painting, being in nature or spending time talking with people face to face. The possibilities are endless.
Solitude in the connected world is a rarity and unplugging even if for a few hours can give you that much-needed time to be with yourself. Allow your mind to be still. You will notice more clarity, a sense of calmness, and discover what matters to you most.
Like all new habits, the more you practice, the easier it becomes. Dare I say before long you will be fully enjoying being unplugged.
