In a recent MaryJanesFarm magazine, there was this wonderful and refreshing article on allowing yourself to become "OFF the Grid." You don't have to permanently 'off the grid'...just enough time to refresh your mind and spirit. I did during vacation and a few days after upon arriving home to the 'busy grind'. Here are the 5 wonderful steps at accomplishing time for "OFF the Grid":
1) Admit that you need a break. Signs of overload include headaches, crankiness, anxiety, and a sense that you're alone even though you're constantly communicating electronically.
2) Start slowly. At first, try avoiding e-mail and switching off your cell phone for 20, 15, even 10 minutes a day-and marvel at how the world continues to turn while you're disconnected. (From personal trial...actually turn your phone OFF not just on vibrate.)
3) Be assertive. You have a choice when it comes to communicating with the rest of the world. Most of us are not obligated to be available at all hours of the day and night. Designate certain times when you will respond to e-mails and accept phone calls and remind them you might not get to theirs.
4) Write a task list each day. It may not be as cut-and-dried as Ma Ingalls' list, but a reasonable daily to-do list (with an attainable end) will help boost your productivity and allow you to guiltlessly call it quits when you've checked off each item. (I do this everyday to help keep me focused on each task at hand. I can't do anything else until those items are all done.)
5) Take time-outs from technology. Prioritize at least a few minutes of downtime in your day-to-day schedule. Remember, watching TV or playing video games fuel the same stress as computers and cell phones, so it's important to unplug all the way. Take a short walk outside. Tend to a windowsill flower garden. Practice your crochet, or weave a basket. Seriously. Just a smidgen of simple pleasures amid the buzz of our everyday workload can help us stay calm, centered, and focused.
I'm trying these great simple steps daily...and it is very centering and refreshing! I hope these steps help you as well.
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