Free Ways to Slow Down from Digital
I’m guilty of swirling around like a top, especially with having a digital career. Emails fly, the texts are flowing, and it all gets to be too much sometimes (actually, a lot of the time). Today I’m sharing my favorite ways to recharge when I’m feeling digitally overwhelmed.
Read a library book. A physical, non-kindle book. There’s something about paper and ink that really just gives my eyes a break. Plus, going to the library in general is so soothing. It’s really quiet there, and the librarians are usually sweet as pie. If you live close, consider walking.
Take a bath. Leave your phone behind. Invite your dog. Okay, I can be guilty of bringing my phone with sometimes. Even on weeknights, if I feel especially overwhelmed, I love soaking in the tub with a bath bomb or some salts. The scents, the warm water and the overall plain stillness of just being alone for a while without noise can really turn your week around.
Walk your dog. It seems simple, but getting out for a long, digital-free walk is rare if you’re busy. Let your dog take you where it wants to go, enjoy the scenery and take in the sounds of the neighborhood. Podcasts and music are great, but sometimes it’s nice to just leave the AirPods at home.
Stretch your brain with puzzles. Seriously, old school Sudoku on paper… it’s a great way to switch up the way you normally think, take a break from letters and just challenge your brain for a little bit with numbers. I like to use actual books and fun colorful pens, not the puzzles on my phone. Traditional puzzles are fun too, especially if they are 1,000 or more pieces. It can be addicting to come back to them for a quiet break away from the madness.
Create. Grab pens, pencils, paper, paints - whatever you have at home - and sit down to create. Draw how you feel, make a homemade card for a friend, or just play with colors. Stuck on ideas with a blank sheet of paper? Look for inspiration in nature and recreate it on paper.
Jog. Wait, isn't that speeding up? In my experience, exercise actually calms my mind. It doesn’t even have to be jogging, it can be a brisk walk. Let your heart race, sweat out the stress and enjoy the breeze. Let go of mile times and distance expectations!
Organize. Wow, this one has to be my favorite. Find a messy drawer or closet and clean it up. Grab containers for all the little stuff. This is usually a quiet, distracting task away from whatever else is going on in your day that can be really satisfying when complete.
Plan a trip. Planning is free! Whether you’re actually going or not - take a virtual vacation and look at a spot you really want to visit. Find activities, restaurants, maybe even browse Air BnB for lodging.
Phone a friend. It’s easy to get really disconnected from everyone when you’re busy. Pick one person each month (college roommate, a cousin, an Aunt) that you usually don’t sit down and converse with and indulge in catching up. Ask them about their life, their challenges, and their favorite activities. Taking genuine interest in what someone else is doing is not only making them feel loved, it can really fill up your cup!
