You probably don’t very well remember what life looked like before we had The Internet … you know, that endless wealth of resources, conversations, and entertainment that we have at our fingertips 24 hours a day?
(I know I don’t).
And before I go any further, I want to be clear: technology is awesome! It’s the reason we’re able to educate ourselves on virtually any topic, stay connected with people across the globe, and engage in countless other activities that we never could before. To put it simply, technology makes the impossible possible. (Not to mention is the whole reason for my business’s existence – ha!)
But, let’s face it: it can also be pretty exhausting at times, and sometimes you just need to unplug yourself.
So today, if you think it might feel good for you, I present three simple ways to take a “mini-break” from it all. To dip your toes into the waters of offline life and just see how it feels.
In my experience, whenever I give myself any kind of a break (whether it’s an hour, a day, or an entire weekend), I find that in the absence of technology, I will often discover creativity, inspiration, and insight.
What will you find?
1) Take a social media break.
Social media is an incredible tool for staying connected to others, no doubt! But it’s also a really easy way to compare ourselves to others at every turn. A one-day or week-long social media break can allow us to reconnect with our center, our work, and our path forward without the outside influence of those around us. TIP: If you need a little help with self-control, try one of these social media app blockers!
2) Take a “consuming” break.
We have endless podcasts, movies, and TV shows all around us – and many of them serve as a truly excellent way for us to learn and expand our ways of thinking! But taking a break from all this “consuming” can also open up time, space, and mental energy for creativity and innovation.
3) Take a technology break.
If you dare, try 24 hours without any technology at all, meaning no computers and no phones and no tablets. It takes a little planning, but I will tell you that it is a singular experience like no other. The last time I did this I found myself doing all sorts of things I don’t normally do: paying close attention to every bite of food, sitting out on the back patio just listening to the trees, and getting completely lost in a book. It was a gift.
Would some kind of “mini-break” from technology feel good to you this week?
For more from Janelle at Ellanyze on unplugging, try these other quick reads:
