Most of us these days are far too connected.
Texting, emails, co-working spaces, Wi-Fi, and apps consume our days—and our nights. Even when we “take a break”, it’s often to post a video to Tik Tok, update a status on Facebook, or stream music or videos to our tablets or smart TVs. It’s really a little overwhelming.
And if we can consciously see how overwhelming it is from within our personal tornado of technological busyness, imagine how our subconscious feels being constantly bombarded, able to pick up on every passing thing that we’ve learned to ignore.
It’s not good for the spirit or our health to be so busy.
We need some relaxation, some real downtime, away from the incessant barrage of the modern world. We need some reality.
To do this, you have to unplug and make time for yourself—and you have to do it on purpose.
In this article, we’ll explore easy ways to create a daily ritual to make unplugging a habit and show you how to focus on self-care and increase your overall happiness.
Shall we begin?
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What is Self-Care and Why is it Important?
Taking care of yourself is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.
Self-care is all about prioritizing your physical, mental, and emotional health. It’s about taking the time to recharge, relax, and rejuvenate. When we neglect self-care, we can experience burnout, anxiety, depression, and even physical illness.
By taking the time to prioritize our own needs, we can better take care of others and fulfill our responsibilities with more intention and energy. When we feel energized and motivated, we are better equipped to tackle challenges and come up with innovative solutions to problems.
The Benefits of Unplugging
The benefits of unplugging and focusing on yourself are numerous. Not only can it improve your overall mood and happiness, but it can also increase your productivity and creativity.
By disconnecting from the constant distractions of emails, social media, and other digital stimuli, we can give our minds and bodies a chance to rest and recharge.
Unplugging can help reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and increase our ability to focus and be present in the moment. Additionally, taking time to engage in activities that bring us joy and relaxation can boost our mood and happiness levels, leading to a more positive outlook on life.
Make Time for Yourself a Habit
If you want to make self-care a priority in your life, creating a daily ritual can be a great way to start.
A daily ritual is a simple practice that you can incorporate into your daily routine to help you stay grounded, centered, and focused. It doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming—it can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths, stretching, or writing in a journal.
The key to creating a daily ritual is to make it something that you enjoy that will support mindfulness. If you simply try to be quiet for that time you’ll likely end up getting antsy thinking about what you’re going to do as soon as the time is up, and that could derail your attempts to make time for relaxation.
Here is a simple meditation using one of the five senses you can try to get some sort of routine established.
Try a Smell Meditation
Select something that evokes a happy memory—your favorite scented flower, a candle, an old book, or a jar of floral bath salts, for example. Use your scented object to create a signal to slow down and invoke feelings of happiness and relaxation in the middle of the day.
When things start to feel rushed, pause and sit in a comfortable position. Hold the scent to your nose, and inhale deeply three times. Let the scent summon your happy memory.
Focus on the scent and how you feel. Don’t analyze anything; just absorb the smell and enjoy the memories.
This type of activity will improve your health, your attitude, and your general outlook on life over time.
By making self-care a daily ritual, you’ll be reminding yourself of the importance of taking care of yourself and prioritizing your own needs. Plus, you’ll be creating a regular routine that can help you stay on track with your goals and commitments.
Tips for Unplugging and Focusing on Self-Care
Incorporating self-care into your daily routine can seem daunting, especially when you’re constantly juggling work, family, and other responsibilities. However, taking a few moments each day to unplug and focus on yourself can have a significant impact on your overall well-being.
To make self-care a priority, start by setting aside dedicated time each day for activities that bring you joy and relaxation. This could include taking a walk in nature, making a quick matcha scrub, practicing yoga, or simply enjoying a cup of tea without distractions.
Additionally, consider limiting your screen time and social media usage, especially in the morning and at night. This can help create a sense of calm and reduce stress levels, allowing you to focus on yourself and your needs.
By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you’ll be well on your way to creating a more balanced, fulfilling life.
Permission to Make Time for Yourself
In a world that never seems to stop, it’s important to remember that taking care of yourself is just as significant as taking care of others.
Unplugging from technology isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity for our mental and physical well-being.
By implementing a daily ritual, focusing on mindfulness, and creating habits that support relaxation, we can reduce stress levels and find a sense of balance in our lives. So, take a deep breath, put down the phone, and make time for self-care.
Decide to set aside some time when there will be no television, no radio, no Internet via smartphone or tablet or laptop, and no interruptions either by phone or in person. Though fitting this time for yourself into your busy schedule may seem overwhelming at first, it’s easier if you start small. Begin with just 5-10 minutes per day. By allowing yourself to focus on something small, you give yourself the best chance for success.
Remember, to make time for yourself is the ultimate form of self-love.
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