I have been away from the blog for about 6 weeks. Right after my birthday, I decided to take a few weeks off from writing here.
As you may know, I had a book, “i am the rage,” launch in Februray. It can be purchased here. Because of the pandemic, there have been no face to face activities. I have spent much of the last 6-8 months doing online work – features, interviews, and open mics. Some of this has been newer work, but a lot of it has been related to promote the book. I am by no means Facebook- of IG-famous, and have no aspirations about such, but spending so much time online is exhausting.
In addition to this year’s book release, I continue to write (working toward a second volume), submit unpublished work, sort through this new phase of life, as well as try to spend quality time with family and friends; oh yes, and a little self care. You know, there is only so much of us to go around.
Today’s missive, if you haven’t guessed is about disconnecting.
We have all been taught to seek it, but there is really no such thing as continual work-life balance. There are choices. And, with any luck, we get better at making healtier choices as are exposed to new people and ideas, think better, and simply mature. No, every choice will not be great; but, they should get better with time. They should become increasingly aligned with what we decide is best for us- body, mind, and spirit.
What have I learned, sensed, or learned again during my break?
- I find that my senses are heightened when I disconnect.
- There is transformative power of stepping back from life.
- The beauty of life slips right past us when we allow ourselves to be consumed with work, in any form.
- Although our jobs require focused input, we should remain conscious of the importance of time away.
- I need to be intentional about the breaks that I take from professional or avocational duties. It is important for that this time to be free of distractions related towork.
How can we get stuff done, and still have tech?
1. Focus on creating a healthy relationship with technology.
- Craft a relationship that is based on intent. Mindless surfing online can waste your time, so ensure you have a definite purpose when you use technology.
- All of your online actions need a reason.
2. Live with tech instead of living for it.
- Technology and being connected should not absorb your entire being.
- Technology is a tool. Stop making it the focus of your day or life.
3. Disconnect on a frequent basis.
- Take a tech break each week. Consider setting aside the weekends for spending time with family and friends. Avoid surfing online, sending text messages, or uploading photos. Instead, interact with the people sitting in front of you in the real world.
- Warn your connections ahead of time so they do not panicat your sudden “disappearance.” They’ll adjust to your new scgedule.
4. Manage your connections.
- Find your balance between keeping up to date with your connections and being available 24/7. Of course, you want or need to stay in touch, but it doesn’t have to be an hourly issue.
- Consider “unfollowing” some people on social media, so you don’t have to be part of their drama anymore. Do what you can to maintain a stress-free social circle.
5. Pursue activities that make you feel peaceful and calm.
- A hyper-connected world can make you feel on edge all the time. It can increase stress and anxiety. It can also make you feel that you always have to be available to do everything, FOMO (fear of missing out).
- Schedule some downtime each day.
- The solitude will give you a chance to reflect, plan, de-stress, and re-energize.
- Try yoga, meditation, Tai chi, journaling, or keeping a diary.
- Whether you hike in a park or dance in your living room, relax and disconnect from the world for a moment.
The modern world is always, always, always on!!!
From phones that never stop beeping to text and email inboxes flooded with messages, it is difficult sometimes to find peace. You feel tired, overwhelmed, and stresses trying to keep up with all of it.
Fortunately, there are good ways to find peace in our lives.
Try out a few of these strategies to find that place where you, technology, and your sense of inner peace can coexist.
Chat soon.
