Have you ever gone one day without the use of the Internet, social media, apps or games? Not many of us have — or can. It seems like it could be challenging, right? Let’s face it, technology is everywhere. It’s at the tips of our fingers every day. I’d like to share ways to help you disconnect from technology and ways to return to your natural state of calmness and simplicity, and to feel even more connected without the use of technical means.
Technology is amazing. It allows us to interact with distant relatives and friends, look up anything we could think of and feed an idle mind. So, what’s so bad about it? Technology is everywhere, so much that it can be addicting and rule our lives. How often do you use electronics? Too much exposure to electronics may even be harmful to our health, causing headaches and depression, and it can even convince us we can no longer communicate the old fashioned way.
Some of us find it difficult to be completely still, calm and quiet and just relax. When is the last time you sat in silence and read a good book? We’ve lost ourselves and the way it used to be. We have lost the simplicity of it all. Even though the use of technology is helpful and very entertaining, it is good to explore reasons and ways to shut it off and distance ourselves from it from time to time.
It’s time to feel a sense of much needed serenity. Here is how:
• Turn off all electronics one hour before bed. This ensures a good night’s rest and allows relaxation before you catch your ZZZs. Give yourself ample time to ponder and reflect on what has transpired throughout your day and what’s going on in your life. Allow yourself to enjoy the quietness and stillness while you reflect. Think of what you’re thankful for and imagine what you want for yourself in the near and distant future. Set goals and allow positive thoughts about yourself and your future to flow before you relax and fall asleep. These positive reinforcements and visualizations will be the last thing you think about before you fall asleep and the first thing you think of when you wake up. This technique will gradually give you the mental state of mind to achieve those goals that you set up for yourself.
• Step out into nature. Step outside and take a deep breath of fresh air. Be one with nature and allow yourself to appreciate what the elements have to offer. Feel the breeze hit your face as you inhale and exhale. Go for a swim. Allow yourself to float in the water and look up at the clouds. Listen to the muffled sounds of birds and let yourself go. It can be a very relaxing and healing experience.
• Meditate and be at peace with yourself. Life happens, and it is easy to forget how to calm our minds. Slow down and give yourself at least 15 minutes a day — whatever time of day works best for you. Try breathing techniques and meditation. Try to make it a routine and incorporate it into your daily life.
• Treat yourself to a relaxing massage. Life can be great, but it can also be very stressful. Reward yourself with a massage. Massage Therapy is not only for relaxation, because it offers much needed relief from pain, stress and anxiety. A great massage session is the key to a calm, rejuvenated and balanced life.
• Spend more time with pets, family and close friends. It’s so easy to be plugged in and connected to electronics, and yet be so disconnected with whom we cherish the most. Create a family game or movie night. Sitting down and enjoying a meal together is a great way to reconnect and bond. Encourage everyone to talk about their highs and lows of their day.
Don’t be so wrapped up with technology that you forget how important it is to have interpersonal relationships. Communicating face to face allows us to be able to see facial expressions and tone of voice in comparison to texting, which may lead to mixed signals. Give yourself peace of mind by going into nature and meditating.
Reinvent yourself and, most importantly, reward yourself with a much-needed massage!
