Learn to Unplug
Perhaps the best antidote to our digital addiction is “unplugging.”
Unplug not for a few hours, but for a few days. Power down your computer and cell phone, and turn the ringer off on your phones. If it’s okay to be unreachable when on vacation—why can’t you do it for a couple of days at home?
But what if there’s an emergency, our minds scream in protest. Someone else can handle the hypothetical emergency that’s unlikely to happen.
I can’t be totally offline for two days, we say. Yes, you can. It’s really not hard and it can be a lot of fun. Just make the rules and don’t break them.
Live and breathe for a few days in your natural surroundings. Go for walks, smell the flowers, lie in the grass and stare aimlessly at the sky, put your hands in dirt and hug a tree.
I know, this advice might sound silly. You might assume I’m a granola from Southern California and that I’ll tell you to turn vegan. I’m not and I won’t.
As Carl Sandburg noted over 50 years ago: “One of the great necessities in America is to discover creative solitude.” Try unplugging. Embrace the natural world for a few days. The digital realm will still be there when you return. I promise.
Periodic unplugging will feed your soul and nurture the creative impulse within you.
If I were your doctor, I’d prescribe a minimum of two consecutive unplugged days once every month or quarter. Again, try it. Unplug. You won’t be sorry. It will defrag your mind.
You can achieve a level of balance and perspective uncommon today. Your capacity to make effective decisions, lead others, build teams, run meetings and complete projects can increase exponentially.
Don’t believe me? You’ll have to try it first …
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