The Joys of Unplugging

We live in a constantly connected world. Between cell phones, smart phones with email, laptops and wi-fi, we can be available any time, any place. Add in MP3 players, and you complete the electronic cocoon most of us wrap ourselves in. Yet this electronic availability takes us away from the people we are interacting with on a daily basis. We may be available to the world, but are we available to the person we are having dinner with? Unplugging is one way to reclaim your connections while giving yourself space to recharge. Unplugging is simply turning off your electronic devices and living (yes, it is possible) without them for a short period of time. Start small. If the thought of being disconnected breaks you out in a cold sweat, simply turn off the electronics for a couple of hours. During this time, do something that doesn't require electricity. Read, go for a walk (sans iPod) or sit and watch the world go by. Work your way up to larger amounts of time. It is possible to disconnect for an entire weekend or longer. Make a deal with yourself that you will get a reward if you get through the first few times successfully. In the end, you will find yourself more deeply relaxed and refreshed from periodic unplugging. Your connection with the world around you will grow stronger, and you will find more sources of creativity in your life. Try it. See if it works for you.