Did You Unplug?

At sundown today the first annual National Day of Unplugging ended? Did you participate? Did you even know about it?

There has been a lot of buzz around the internet about ‘unplugging’ lately in light of this day and I starting thinking, “What better way to ‘avoid noisy coworkers and other distractions in a loud world’ than by unplugging?”. The group behind the National Day of Unplugging also advocates observing a weekly day of rest, which would include unplugging from technology, getting outside, and reconnecting with loved ones, among other things. Those all sound like things I would like to do more of!

I think one of the best things you can do to avoid distractions is to slow down at least one day and do things where it doesn’t matter if you are distracted. (Or, if there are ‘distractions’, they are good things!) I have heard it called ‘Taking time to just be.” Just exist. You don’t always have to have a plan or a to do list. By removing yourself from the harried pace of the workforce  for just a day (and giving yourself some grace with your home projects!), you can go back to work feeling refreshed and perhaps better able to deal with your annoying co-workers’ loud telephone conversations and all the other irritating habits they have. (Because we all know it is never you annoying them.)

If you work from home, it gives you a definite break in the work week–no feeling guilty for not constantly checking your email and answering your phone when you have scheduled your day of rest. And it also gives you something to look forward to all week–a day to rest and regroup is waiting at the end!

So go ahead. Plan to read a book, go on a hike, spend some time with your significant other and/or your kids, take a nap, or whatever makes you happy. Your mind set (and consequently your work place and coworkers!) will be better for it.