Time to Unplug

As someone who writes a blog, it's no secret that I spend a lot of time "plugged in." Between researching, finding inspiration, writing, editing and then analyzing blog posts, I'm hooked on my cell phone, laptop and iPad. That, combined with keeping in touch with friends, checking social media, homework and reading internet publications equals a lot of screen time.

There's no question technology is beneficial. However, when I have been my most plugged in, I have felt the least in tune with myself. The holidays are filled with opportunities to spend time with others and ourselves face-to-face. So, before you scroll through Facebook during your next holiday party, consider these tips about how to hit the off button:

1. Ask yourself this: have you ever felt better about your life after checking social media? When we check Facebook and Instagram, we see nicely-filtered pictures of our friends and their activities. This encourages feelings of missing out, jealousy and loneliness. People with healthy levels of confidence do not derive their confidence from the number of "likes" on a photo. I suggest deleting your Facebook app on your iPhone for a week (seriously, a great life decision!) to detox. Every time you feel like scrolling, look around and take in the interesting world around you.

2. Show yourself some love. Make a top 10 list of little things that make you happy. Bubble bath? Long walk? Freshly painted nails? Make time to do one of these activities every day, alone. That's right, challenge yourself to take a break from social media, texting and calling. Just take in every moment of the activity that makes you happy. You might be surprised by how at peace you feel when it's all about you.

3. Have a DMC (deep meaningful conversation). Studies show that people who have face-to-face conversations when one person is texting, rate their satisfaction after the conversation lower than those who were in a technology-free conversation. Think about what it means to pick up the phone when you are having a face-to-face interaction with another person: you're sending the message that there is someone else you would rather talk to. If it isn't realistic to unplug when spending the whole day with someone, start with mealtimes. Do you really need to be talking to anyone other than the person sitting across from you?

4. Stop consuming and start creating. Technology promotes consumption— from playing video games to reading articles, we are constantly receiving information. It's time to start giving. Contribute to the world at large by stepping away from the screen and channeling your passions into productive activities you enjoy. Whether you are writing, crafting, thinking or doing anything else, you are creating when you spend your energy focusing on giving.

5. Know that news will always find you. The most important people in your life will always find a way to contact you. Whether it is through someone else or by physically talking to you, important news will always find a way to reach you. Sure, you might stop receiving constant updates in real time, but you will have a clearer head to respond to the information you receive after taking some time for yourself.

xoxo,

Ashley