Be Bored + Unplug
It’s healthy to be bored. To do nothing. To have no plans. To sit around.
We are constantly moving and doing nowadays. Working long hours, cooking meals, attending social outings, etc. It’s a common perception that we should always be productive.
This is a modern idea that takes practice and time to unlearn.
We’ve come to believe that if we aren’t doing anything or if we haven’t done 100 things in a single day, then we’re being lazy.
However, taking care of ourselves and making time for rest is productive.
We’re also always stimulated by laptops, tablets, TVs and phones. With these comes notifications, calls, messages, social media, games, shopping and more. Our brains rarely decompress.
This type of lifestyle can have a poor effect on one’s health. It can lead to stress, anxiety, an overactive nervous system, wacky hormones, negative internal dialogue and more. This is not sustainable over time.
Some individuals may be in such a rush or so distracted that they neglect what they need most.
If you notice that you’re always jumping from one thing to the next and it’s coming from a place of urgency, you may need to unplug. Check in with your mind and body. It’s beneficial to turn inward by becoming present.
5 Ways to check in with yourself:
Drop your shoulders down and back
Unclench your jaw
Take long inhales and exhales
Allow your arms and legs to feel heavy
Feel your feet on the ground
These activities allow you to pause. They slow your mind and force you to focus on the now. Your body is presented with an opportunity to just be.
You’re able to notice and ask yourself how you’re feeling.
Make time for yourself – even if it is just a little each day.
Disconnect & recharge by:
Getting out in nature
Diving into a good book
Limiting your time on social media
Following journal practices and prompts
Jamming to your favorite music
Devoting more time to your feel-good hobbies
When you take time away from screens and do an activity that is distracting, you start a domino effect. You’re able to calm mental chatter, regulate the nervous system and raise energy. This type of feeling will become a craving.
Takeaways
Scheduling breaks from being busy can have a massive impact on your life.
You’re able to rest, decompress, get creative, use your hands, move your body and so much more. All in ways that will make your mind and body happy. The parasympathetic nervous system may also be engaged which brings countless benefits.
Use your PTO. Spend time away from screens. Bake your favorite dessert.
Do less while implementing more of what makes you feel good.