6 Ways To Unplug Without Going Off The Grid
Unplugging is an essential step to making self-care a priority this year. Many of us still have a since of FOMO when it comes to letting go of technology and being connected to the cyber world, but we have to do it for our well being. We’ve seen the attachment to our phones and social media ruin our relationships, make us less productive at work, and cause us real anxiety when our lives aren’t living up to the ones we see on Instagram. Here are some ways to unplug without totally going off the grid:
Don’t Play Yourself in the Morning
How you start your morning off can really set the tone of your day, so try removing your morning review of emails and social media notifications until you get to work. Instead fill that time with additional prayer or meditation. You may even have time to make yourself some breakfast or read a chapter of your favorite book.
Keep Your Phone in Hiding at Work
Do you really need to bring your phone to your next meeting? Probably not. Bring your notebook and pen with you instead to take notes. Leave the distraction of your cell tucked away in your purse, coat pocket or in a drawer at your desk to avoid looking at it throughout the day. Use your lunch break to see what you missed in your friend group chat. If you leave it in your desk, make sure to set an alarm so you won’t forget to take it out at the end of the day.
Leave Your Workspace Often to Decompress
Looking at a computer all day can be exhausting, so take the opportunity to leave your desk when you can to get some fresh air. Offer to make a coffee run or join a group of colleagues heading out the the nearest cafe for a cup of joe. If you bring your lunch to work, try finding different spaces to enjoy it so that your break is completely yours.
Enjoy Experiences Unfiltered
Don’t miss Klay Thompson hit a game changing 3-pointer, because you were too busy trying to type out a clever caption from tip-off. At the next concert, sports games or other entertainment experiences, try limiting your time watching it from your camera screen and just enjoy it. Stop live sharing and give yourself up to 4 – 5 forms of content to capture and save to post later.
Out of Office Means Out of Office
Don’t let your job bully you into thinking you have to be near Wifi during you entire vacation to check your email. Schedule 30 minutes to preview your inbox and determine if anything is urgent to respond to, if not log off and enjoy what your day of rest and relaxation.
Schedule Your Content So You Can Chill
For those who create content as a side hustle or full-time business, designate a day each week to schedule out and draft content. It helps to alleviate the need to post everyday and allow you time to work on other avenues of your business growth. Try using Buffer, Crowdfire and Hootsuite for automation that will make your life easier.