How do you know when it’s time to unplug? What do you do to make it happen?

You know, I’ve realized that knowing when it’s time to unplug is absolutely essential for my sanity. It’s not something I always got right, but I’ve learned through some pretty intense moments of burnout and stress.

Recognizing the Signs

Feeling Overwhelmed:

There was this one week at work that felt like it would never end. Every email and every notification felt like a mini-crisis. By the time Friday rolled around, my mind was just a jumble of to-dos and worries. I couldn’t relax, even when I tried. It hit me that I was plugged in 24/7, and it was too much.

Lack of Focus:

I remember a day when I spent hours just staring at my computer screen, mindlessly scrolling through social media. Nothing was sticking. My brain was so fried that I couldn’t concentrate on anything meaningful. That’s when I realized I hadn’t been present in my own life for days.

Physical Symptoms:

And then there were the headaches. I was getting these persistent, dull headaches and my eyes were constantly strained. One night, I sat down for dinner with my family and felt so drained I could barely hold a conversation. That’s when it really hit me—I needed to unplug.

Making the Change

Scheduled Breaks: So, I started small. I began scheduling regular breaks throughout my day. It might sound silly, but just stepping away from my desk, stretching, and taking a few deep breaths made a world of difference. It was like hitting the reset button.

Digital Detox Days:

Now, every weekend, I decided to go all in and do a digital detox. I turn off my laptop. Though I cannot turn off my phone so that my parents, siblings, and friends can connect when needed or they want to, I set it on a restricted mode so that I can attend to their calls. Then, my husband, Odin (our canine child), and I go to local dog parks and take Odin swimming or socializing while we also mingle with his canine buddies. Or we go for a long drive and cherish each other’s company as we talk, laugh, eat, or stroll here and there. We really connect with each other, something we hardly get to do during the weekdays. It reminds us of what truly matters.

Mindful Activities:

I love brewing coffee—beans from different countries, single-region or blended, with different flavor notes. I experiment with various brewing methods like the Bialetti moka pot, V60, Chemex pour-overs, Aeropress, and French Press, both hot and iced. Mixing the brews with water, ice, tonic water, and fruits like oranges and berries adds to the fun. The process demands attention to grind settings, temperature, water-to-coffee ratio, filters, and timing. These activities distract me and keep me focused, creating a multisensory experience from smelling the beans to grinding, brewing, and sipping. I also write down my experiments in a coffee journal, which keeps me away from my devices.

Connecting with Loved Ones:

Often, my husband and I listen to our favorite Poirot series on Audible while cooking dinner and being with Odin. It brings back the old times of listening to the radio and feels so relaxing, yet our grey cells get charged as Poirot unravels his cases. We sit together, talk about these stories, and laugh as we play along with Odin. Those genuine connections feel so much more fulfilling than any online interaction.

The Impact

🌿 Unplugging has truly transformed my life, bringing immense joy and clarity. It’s these little steps that have made all the difference and brought a sense of balance and peace that I didn’t realize I was missing. I’ve learned to listen to my body and mind, to recognize when it’s time to step back and recharge. These moments of disconnect have allowed me to come back to my digital life with a refreshed perspective and a clearer mind.