I've just returned from a self-imposed month off the grid – by that I mean no internet, no social media, no mobile phone, no email – no contact with anyone outside of my family unit. I can absolutely say, having done it once now, I will do it every year. It has been the greatest gift I could give myself and I have re-emerged feeling fresh and with a new perspective ready to embrace the year ahead. While of course I missed my friends and colleagues, they know it's not a reflection of caring any less and I know they respect my decision.
If you have the opportunity to check out, and take some time for yourself, I highly recommend it. While Christmas can be tricky time of year, maybe plan for a few days off over the coming months where you can be answerable to no-one but yourself. Here's my Top 50 reasons for getting off the grid:
1.You become present
2.You develop a new perspective
3.You problem solve the world
4.You eliminate clutter
5.You become a nicer person
6.You lose the irritability around people 'stealing your time'
7.You become passive and are far more pleasant to be around
8.Nothing is as much of a problem as it once was
9.You spend quality time with the people you love
10.You laugh way more
11.You become a better parent
12.You don't miss 'being connected'
13.You notice things
14.You marvel at the sight of nature, the sound of water, the little stuff
15.You look forward to every day
16.You realise life is short
17.You make plans
18.You live it one day at a time
19.You feel energised
20.You honour yourself
21.You understand that most of the data we receive isn't necessary
22.You do what's meaningful
23.You make memories
24.You realise that you're not so important that you can't take time out
25.You owe it to yourself
26.You find out a lot of our perceived problems are self-imposed
27.You learn to eliminate unhelpful thoughts
28.You recognise that you only have one life to life – yours
29.You play more
30.You stop in time because there is only 'now'
31.You dream more
32.You find self-acceptance
33.You come up with new ideas
34.You want to give more
35.You don't have to try so hard
36.You have more fun
37.You stop living other people's lives
38.You can give of yourself completely in your relationships
39.You look better
40.You feel better
41.You sleep way better!
42.Things happen easily
43.You stop making excuses
44.You don't apologise
45.You feel the self-love
46.You no longer feel anxious
47.You challenge the status quo
48.You choose originality
49.You realise that this is how to 'get ahead'
50.You live your best life
The fact is, our day-to-day existence is highly connected, no matter who we are. We're always-on which means that we're so accustomed to operating on auto-pilot that we don't know any other way. Every spare minute is filled being busy.
These last few weeks I have laughed more, lost anxiety and found perspective. I encourage you to do the same, you owe it to yourself to live your best life.
Happy Holidays everyone!
