If you’re on Facebook and your friends are anything like mine, you’ve seen a lot of people taking technology vacations.  Just a few years ago, it would have seemed odd to think about being able to be plugged in 24/7 – not just by phone and text, but by email and an array of social media.

 

When we get so used to having these resources at our fingertips, stepping away from them can feel really difficult.  I’d been taking these breaks in tiny increments (leaving my phone in the car when I was out, keeping it in the other room so I wouldn’t be tempted to check it constantly).

 

Every year, my August gets a bit crazy with long standing plans, and I thought it would be the perfect chance to take a technology vacation of my own.

 

Last weekend, I was nestled in the mountains at a bed and breakfast when we went to our annual family reunion.  This seemed to be the perfect place to ease myself into being unplugged. 

The success for me was huge – I spent 3 days without checking Facebook and I only checked my email 1-2 times per day.  I didn’t respond to emails.  I just did a quick scan to see if there was anything extremely important (there wasn’t).

 

Perhaps the best part was how relaxed I felt all weekend!

 

Monday was my transition day, between the reunion and going to the Philadelphia Folk Festival (now in it’s 51st year, it’s my 13th).  I found myself feeling really overwhelmed as I tried to unpack, repack, and get a few things squared away for the week.  I fell immediately back into my habits of checking my email or Facebook every time I saw the blinking light on my phone.

 

At Fest this year my phone is going to serve a few purposes – a clock, a camera, and a connection for situations related to Chloe.  That’s it.  I’m looking forward to the chance to reconnect with friends, nature, and myself as I unplug from the habit that technology has become.

 

How can you unplug from technology this week, even if it’s just for a short period of time?

 

Sometimes taking a break from certain things in our every day lives can give us perspective to see how they are really impacting us – are they actually helping or hurting?  It’s not always an easy road, but it can be what leads us to living our lives in a healthy, authentic, and joyful way.

 

If you’re ready to explore taking a break from the toxins in your life, check out the Nourishing Your Sacred Mama Spirit 21 Day Detox.  Don’t be fooled by the name – this is for any woman who is looking for deeper connection with self.

 

Peace, Love, and Wellness,