"Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you".
- Anne Lamott
Unplugging involves intentionally disconnecting from digital devices and work to achieve a balanced life. My most recent "unplug" has involved limiting certain apps and increasing books. I had no idea how that picking up my phone every morning to respond to social media, emails, and other notifications that could wait was making me anxious and overstimulated. I receive multiple messages, which is fine but that doesn't mean I have to respond right then. That is when you know you have made progress. Below are a few changes I have made in order to "unplug".
Unnecessary apps first thing in the morning- My alarm goes off at 4am and class at the gym starts at 5am. The last thing I need to be doing is aimlessly scrolling thru Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Snapchat. I have recently made it a habit not to respond to any emails or messages until after I am done with class at the gym. I no longer feel rushed, anxious, or overstimulated. Just because you have an email or message doesn't mean that the response has to be done AT THAT EXACT MOMENT!! After cutting this "habit" for about a week, I realized that it was just that, a HABIT. WTF? How did I get so robotic that I picked up this habit that I could have done without? Why? Why did I start this habit? Because I had the inability to "be with myself (to be discussed in another blog). That is gonna be a good one.
Reading more books in the evening- While this seems boring to some, I have truly found a love for it. I strive to read at least ten pages nightly. Nothing crazy. Nothing fancy. Just ten pages. I read mostly self-improvement books...I mean...we can all be better right? I found one about midlife crisis issues that is on point. And don't get me started on David Goggins (a friend suggested him to me a while ago and I have been hooked and promoting ever since). There is just something about reading about someone who overcame so many obstacles and came out on top that sets my soul on fire.
Swapping mindless apps for podcasts- This. This is the one. I have made some very important swaps lately. One is swapping my music for podcasts when I run, clean house, or ride. I have found that while some music can "get you going" it can also "keep you going". This was making me anxious. I ran a full ten miles with podcasts on a dreadmill last week and it was one of the best runs I have had lately. When did I become this boring individual you ask? When I started feeding my soul positively. I am not boring but I am choosing peace and growth and you should too.
Finding ME again- As a coach, I am very involved with others. That is my choice and I love it. I somehow lost myself a few months ago. I don't know how, when, or why. I just realized that I had to FIND ME! I felt like I was going through all the motions but not making any progress. I don't even know how to explain it. Once I sat back and started analyzing my "situation" if you will, I knew that I had to figure out myself again. My goals had been pushed to the side. Why the F*&# did I do that? How did I get caught up in everything else and let myself go? In order to find me again, I began to spend time with just myself in order to achieve clarity. Oh and the hubby is a part of me so he's always included. Part of this process has been to take one WHOLE rest day a week. No housework. No craziness. No rush. No chaos. No workouts. NOTHING! Sleeping in isn't a thing anymore but if I could I damn sure would do it on that rest day. Then I take one workout to myself every week and unplug from ALL of it. I put my ear buds in and go to it. I have found peace during this process. My process doesn't have to be yours. You could go get coffee alone or have a self care day to yourself. This is so variable for everyone. Just find yourself! And don't let her go.
OTHER TIPS- Next on the list, which I haven't done yet, is to complete a few more simple steps. Unsubscribe from emails that no longer feed your soul. This may take me 10 damn years but I am gonna do it. Delete or unfollow negative accounts on your social media. Do you have that one person who is always nosy, or throwing a #pityparty? (insert eye roll emoji). We are all struggling damn it. Life is too short and too hard to repeatedly allow negativity to flood your personal feeds. GET THEM GONE!!!! ASAP!!! Delete the apps on your phone you don't use. That old Nike Run app I have has GOT TO GO. Clean house. There is something aesthetically pleasing about a clean home screen.
I hope this has helped you all just a tad.
#coach #women #fitness #life #findyourself #unplug
Love,
Coach :)
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