Disconnecting as Self-Care

If you are like me, you rarely unplug from technology. I usually have one of my devices in my hand. Our world is full of words, sounds, and images. Thanks to social media, we get the news (good or bad) in real-time and then on repeat. Technology has virtually eliminated the need to own or watch television. You can do almost anything from your phone.

There are numerous advantages to being connected, but the connection has disadvantages. It can be a distraction and hinder productivity. It happens to most of us. We go down the proverbial social media rabbit hole, and what started as a five-minute session turns into an hour. We hardly ever watch one video. Each one is equally as entertaining as the video before. Time passes and your tasks remain incomplete.

I often feel guilty about the time I spend scrolling Facebook and Tik Tok. Both platforms are entertaining, and it is easy to get “lost” in them. Sometimes I feel I have wasted precious time and could have been more productive. Other times I feel as if I needed the mindless distraction.

Constant connectivity can lead to discomfort with silence. It is difficult for some to rest with their thoughts. In the quiet moments, you can hear and process your thoughts and possibly receive a word from God. Silence can be powerful. In my quiet time, I can sort things out. I can focus on a particular issue, better understand my feelings, and determine my next moves.

In times of solitude and stillness, we decompress and give our brains much-needed rest from constant bombardment. The brain is the body’s processing unit. It functions like a computer and receives inputs from our environment. It sends signals throughout the body to coordinate our responses. Silence serves as a “hard reset” for the brain. Everything slows down, and there is a reduction of stress on the body. Neuroscience suggests we gain brain cells and optimize function when we are still. We are the most in tune with our feelings and emotions during this time. This awareness allows us to be fully present and appreciate the moment.

I am as guilty as the next person of not taking enough quiet moments, but today I would like to challenge all of us to find a place to settle and be still. No phones. No television. No social media notifications. Just you and your innermost thoughts. Disconnection is a gift we should all give to ourselves regularly.

Here’s to your health!