Unplugging can be daunting. But let me tell you, it is SO worth it. Especially since living in California (and by Russ), I’ve tried to get a lot better at it. It helps me be less stressed by leaving work at work, be passionate about my blog, and most of all enjoy those around me. I am no expert and have a long way to go before being great at this, but for me, this is how to unplug.
April 19th, 2018, Santa Monica, CA
Outfit Details: Billabong Jumpsuit, Roxy Sweater (Similar and similar), Coconut by Matisse Wedges (similar and similar), J. McLaughlin Handbag (similar)
Leave Your Phone At Home
I KNOW. Scary. But, I promise it is worth it. Especially when spending time with Russ or my family, I have realized the importance of taking the cell phone out of the relationships. It makes the time together so much more focused on interacting and communicating, rather than sitting next to each other and not talking for 30 minutes as you aimlessly scroll through Instagram. One of my favorite things my parents did, which I did not appreciate at the time, was not letting us use phones on vacation very much. My dad and Uncle Steve use to make sure we were not on our phones and now looking back on it, I couldn’t be happier they did that. Because of it, we got to soak up so much time with our cousins instead.
Clean Your Inbox On Friday Afternoon
This helps me more than I can explain. If I don’t have any emails left to respond to before the weekend, the dark email cloud is not floating over me while I go about my weekend. Of course, I know, emails will come through on Saturday and Sunday, but I try and make myself leave everything until Sunday night or Monday morning. Then, when I get in Monday, I give myself the first 30 minutes to an hour to tackle any and all emails.
Make A Todo List For Friday And Another One For Monday
I am all about lists. I truly couldn’t live without them. On Thursday night, I make a list of everything I need to get done by EOD Friday. Realistically, I know I am not going to get everything done. Therefore, on Friday I complete the most urgent tasks and then make a list for Monday that will help me remember all the random little things I didn’t complete.
Make Friday Dinner Something You Look Forward To
Knowing I have plans on Friday night, whether it be at a restaurant with co-workers, Family dinner with our friends, or cooking at home with Russ, makes the weekends start off well. Plus, it helps make Friday nights meaningful, instead of scrolling through social media and binging Netflix (we are all guilty of that). If you’re cooking at home try playing music while you cook instead of TV. Plus, if you are cooking with your significant other, try dancing while your meal is in the oven. Moments like that are the ones I really remember.
Bring A Book (Notepad, Game, Cards, Etc.)
Have something else to occupy you besides your phone/iPad/computer. Whenever I go on car rides, to the beach, or to hang out with friends, I love to bring something that I know will distract me from being on technology (aka stressing out about emails, phone calls, replying to texts, etc.). For the beach, bring a book or a beach game to play with everyone. On car rides, bring a book, or play the handful of silly car games to pass time. When you have nights with friends, play Cards Against Humanity, Phase 10, Spoons, or Fishbowl.
At the end of the day, do what works for you! These are the things I love to try and remember. Most of all just know that you’ll feel less busy, stressed, and overwhelmed and hopefully a whole lot more fulfilled and joyful. Learning how to unplug is crucial in this day and age!
Outfit Details: Billabong Jumpsuit, Roxy Sweater (Similar and similar), Coconut by Matisse Wedges (similar and similar), J. McLaughlin Handbag (similar)
