“Disconnect in order to reconnect”
The definition of unplug is disconnecting an electrical device from the socket or the removing of an obstacle or blockage. If you are reading this post, you may feel it is time for you to unplug. You may need to unplug mentally, physically, or even both.
Life can be so busy and we are constantly on the go meeting various obligations. The world teaches us that successful people are busy. We are programmed to pile more and more tasks onto our to do lists. Although it is good for us to be productive, we were also made to rest. Our bodies were not made to be overworked. Have you ever been so exhausted mentally and physically that your body starts to shut down and you get sick? That’s your body telling you that you need rest.
As defined earlier, unplugging is the action of disconnecting from a source and removing obstacles or blockages. Analyze your daily life for a moment and pinpoint what that source is for you. What is it that is causing so much noise in your head? Do you need to give social media a rest for a specific time? Do you need to disconnect from your electronics? Maybe there are certain people in your life that are causing too much ruckus. Once you have pinpointed what you need to unplug from, choose a date and amount of time that you want to be unplugged. I personally recommend you choose a full day at the least. For some people that may not be feasible. Here are some tips that can make unplugging easier.
Tips:
- Set the date. Choose a day that is least demanding of your attention such as a day clear of meetings or deadlines.
- Plan ahead. Plan activities that will keep you grounded and motivate peace within your mind. Personally, I love nature. I like to plan hiking or camping trips. If the weather does not permit I do things such as read books, pray, meditate, nap, cook, or go to the spa. The key is to be as quiet as possible and in tune with yourself and God. Whichever activities you choose, make sure they will be beneficial to you and quieten your mind.
- Notify your people. Let the people that need the most access to you know in advance that you are planning to unplug. You wouldn’t want them sending out a search party for you going off the grid all of a sudden.
- Plan a trip out of the city. The key is to minimize as many distractions as possible. Sometimes just being in the city in all of its busyness and nosiness is enough to make you feel a sense of unrest. Personally, when I feel like I have too much going on in my head and in my life, I grab my keys and just drive away. I usually have no destination, but I just know that I want to get away from all of the lights and noise.
- Be in the moment. Ground yourself. Listen to the sounds around you. Notice how your body feels. Engage yourself in the sights around you. (Sometimes it’s best to do this outside if at all possible. Even if it is for just a moment).
- Implement “listening prayer”. Give God your heart and all that has been causing you unrest. Then listen and wait as he brings you an inner peace that you so desperately desired. Don’t overdo it. More than talking to God, you want to listen to him. You never call your best friend and tell her about a situation and then immediately hang up after you’ve told her, you listen to their feedback. It’s the same with God. Give him your cares, and then listen for feedback. Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT) says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
As I conclude this post, I just want to encourage you to unplug at least once for your own sanity and we’ll being. When you return to the real world you will be able to devote your time to your daily life with a different perspective. You will be calmer and more appreciative of the life God gave you. Who knows, it may allow you to see clearer what you value in life and what you need to get rid of for good. Nevertheless, unplugging is a decision you won’t regret.
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”