The Need to Unplug
Often we seek a temporary escape from the pressures of everyday life, work, and responsibility. Research shows that we need these “little slices of unplugging” to reset ourselves, to allow us to be more effective when dialing back in. For some, this could be a long bike ride on a sunny day. For others, this might manifest in reading a favorite book such as Time and Again (a classic set in 1882 New York City). For me? A stroll on a quiet beach works just about every single time. Indeed, something about our wonderful coast speaks to the soul. Endlessly, the sound of the ocean working without regard to all of life’s continual pressures keeps things in perspective. No matter the time, the sands keep shifting, the tides go up and down, and the seagulls simply don’t judge.
Alone with my dog Bella, on an empty, 2-mile stretch of beach north of Cannon Beach, Or., I took a series of shots. This one looked a bit like a giant seal! Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers
Here’s Bella, loving it just as much as me. Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers
Does it get much prettier than this? Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers
Stress is High
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), stress has become a worldwide epidemic. The average stress level reported by American adults has become 4.9 on a scale of 1 to 10, as written by the American Psychological Association. From the Coronavirus to heated politics and riots to job losses and a spike in the divorce rate, we’ve been feeling it BIG in 2020. It’s been a challenging year so far, and more challenges are ahead with the onset of COVID-19. Yet not to doom and gloom; instead, let’s focus on what we can do to deal with what we’ve set with and stay ready for the next bump in the road.
Ways to Unplug
1. Taking a Break from TV and Social Media
Are you one of the folks checking their phones 80 times a day? According to global tech support company Asurion, that's just the average. You might even be on the far right of the bell curve, pulling out your mobile device even more. Of course, these mobile devices have a clear and underlying motivation for use: we suffer separation anxiety when not looking at our digital devices (I know I do). However, taking a lengthy break from social media, your phone, TV, etc., can be enriching. Not only do you slow down and appreciate the smaller things, but you aren't so inundated with frequently useless distractions like Tik Tok and Instagram. These apps have real value, especially for marketers, but real life goes by in these moments when you're lost in the social media world. Going beyond simple distraction, researchers have concluded that around 33% of people feel worse and less satisfied with their own lives after scanning Facebook. Taking "digital breaks" and powering down is an excellent tactic to help alleviate some of those negative feelings and give yourself a chance to simply "be."
This shot, near where the movie The Goonies was filmed in the 80’s, really struck me. A backlit monolith, glowing for the camera. Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers
2. Be a Creator
One thing is true for many of us; we consume a lot more than we create. We live in a consumption-driven world where most things are created for us en masse, and we willingly participate. Well, there’s much to be said about creating things (vs. consuming), and the rewards are real. So instead of watching a movie, how about writing a story? Paint a picture? Draw? Cook a meal from scratch instead of ordering take-out? Your pride gets a boost, and so do those around you. Cooking for yourself or someone else is a form of love. Indeed, it takes more effort to create things, but so does climbing a mountain. And when you reach the top, you appreciate the view a thousand times more than if a helicopter just dropped you there. The same goes for most things in life—the more you work for it, the greater the enjoyment.
Another shot of the filming location for The Goonies. Remember the scene where the pirate ship emerges at the end? It’s right around here. Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers
3. Get Out in Nature
Well, I’ve already spoken about how rejuvenating getting outside and enjoying nature can be. Going to the beach and walking on the uncrowded sand is my definite respite. Perhaps for you, it’s different, but the common element is spending time outdoors. According to the EPA, we spend, on average, 90 percent of our time indoors. And for those that live in the inner city, there is a higher incidence of brooding, where prefrontal cortex activation is subdued, which means you aren’t engaging your brain. Lower brain function isn’t good, so, you know, get outside! ;).
Whether set in yoga pants or jeans and sneakers, you can meditate just about anywhere and at anytime. No need for a membership. Image Courtesy: Keegan Houser via Unsplash.com
4. Meditate
Perhaps you are a purveyor of mediation; perhaps not? If so, you already know the benefits, which counted among them are the ability to achieve natural calm and leave feeling refreshed. And therein lies the opportunity.
According to the CDC, meditation is one of the fastest-growing trends in America, with numbers tripling between 2012 and 2017. Meditation is powerful in reducing stress, particularly in digitally addicted, stressed-out people. Sound like you or someone you know? Further, just ten minutes of meditation per day can have a dramatic effect. And it’s not like brushing your teeth. Most people that meditate soon find that they genuinely enjoy it and look forward to the activity. Many great apps also help foster and guide you in meditation, such as Calm, Mindbody, or Headspace. It seems counterintuitive to use a digital app to meditate, but hey, it’s the modern age, and they do work.
As you work through these stressful days, weeks, and months, try to remember to take essential breaks, get out in nature, read books, and create things (instead of the default to consume). And try meditation if you’re not already a practitioner. I can’t say I’ve done much of it yet (meditation), but I’m ready to try now because, like most of you, stress has its firm hold on my life as well.