Switch It Off

The best plug is when you are switched off!

Oh my, how refreshed I feel. I really needed a detox. When you go through an emotionally taxing period, you just need to take a break from it all. A vacation would be ideal but most of the world is still closed, plus finances are kind of tight. I will again give a salute to all social media managers. The word 'hero' is an understatement. That job wears every part of you down.

So imagine being part of the above occupation whilst multitasking other hustles? Well, I switched off my data, only posted about Bohemian Rhapsody on my IG story and steered clear of alcohol. I ensured that I had sleep including naps. Watched little TV and read a book. A physical book. Imagine what staying away from your phone, the internet and any electronic distraction can do?

With the course of the pandemic, we are more codependent on technology. The stay safe, stay at home slogan has many of us glued to our mobile and computer screens. We are online for school, meetings, work and even socializing. But it can get too much. The downside of being online is that we are sponges. We are absorbing all the news on our timelines. Every tragedy, unrest and drama unfolds and we don't have outlets.

Being online even just simply for WhatsApp or Telegram can also cause stress, loneliness, physical ailments and sleep deprivation. The connectivity can be a disconnection from self. That's why switching off from the virtual world can help you reconnect with yourself and your environment.

Here are five ways to switch off:

1. It's a wrap

 

Before you decide to unplug and switch off from the rest of the world wrap things up! You need to make sure that you have cleared everything off your disc, especially work related things. Make sure that you’re wrapped up so that no one is looking for you, specially your bosses. Make sure that you’ve paid off dates or whatever needs clarity. Prior to you going offline. Once you’ve gotten all that out of the way, then you can move on to the next step.

 

2. Switch off

 

Now make sure that you switch off. It depends. You can’t completely go offline, but what you could do is minimise the amount of time he spent checking your phone or being online social media. Try maybe keeping switching off your data. And and making sure that your phone is switched on in case of emergencies. But for the rest of your time of unplugging just. Just enjoy yourself.

 

3. Put your feet up

 

This is the best part of everything. Literally, put your feet up if you got a couch. Distract yourself out on the long couch or just go in your bed and stretch. You don’t necessarily need to sleep. It’s just putting your feet up so that you can actually just allow your body to be in arrested position. But also take the opportunity to catch up with sleep. Ideally, wake up your usual time, your usual routine time, so if you wake up in the early hours of the day, wake up at the same time that you would feel going to work or taking on task for the day. And then during the day, find time to take a nap. 

 

4. Eat clean

 

I can see some of you rolling your eyes at the whole eat clean concept. But the best way to unplug is to eat well. This means no caffeine. No alcohol. Lots of water. Lots of fruits and veggies. And more water.

 

5. Clear your thoughts 

 

Timelines and information online can preoccupy major spaces of your mind. The best thing is to steer clear of social media. Yes, we want to be updated about what’s happening around the world but it’s not always good for your mental health. When I switched off my phone data, I turned to other things including reading a book.  Preserve your mind by focusing on things that relax it.

Shutting down is the best way to plug in and recharging. So take care of yourself.

P.S. Always write your own love story!

Ciao!

Lady E