Being connected to the world is everyone’s priority these days. Whether travelling for business or pleasure making sure that your hotel has internet free internet is usually one those things that we are now checking before we even check if they offer free breakfast. When was the last time you really switched off? I mean really turn off and switch off! That moment when you didn’t have to check how many likes your Instagram or Facebook post had, how many people have retweeted your tweet?
Didn’t have to check an email or whatapps ping after your phone buzzed. My guess is that its been a pretty long time if you are honest with yourself. Dont worry I am also guilt of that but I am trying every now and then to just switch all gadets off. If that means running off to the British countryside with friends or going on a little Reiki retreat to enjoy the beaches on the British Isles then guess what, a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do. I am not saying you have to do this for the entire time of your break but I believe a minimum of half a day to a day minimum will really mean you can benefit. So without further ado, here are my 5 tips to getting a little peace of mind and a little more joy in your days. Point 1 and 5 are the most important to get the most out of this.
1. No Social Media
2. No Phones
3. Do Not Instagram
See number 1, yes that also includes Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat…if unsure go back to tip number one. But what if I see something really could and have need to Instagram it. When was the last time you really saw something with your own eyes. Not through the video you were so busy recording. I mean really see it. How your eyes twinkle with excitement, how your pulse races just a little when you are fully immersed with all your being, noticing the colours of the subject in question how the weather was; breezy, bright, sunny and just all so beautiful. Tell me you will be able to feel that through watching a video. So put that Insta-thing away and immerse yourself!
4. No Paparazzi Please! No Camera for You.
Yep this one is a toughie for while most likely running around with my Nikon somewhere in my totes. So ladies and gentlement, leave your Canons, your Nikon, Sonys, Samsung SLRs, DSLRs and your point and shoots. Yes, this include your ipad, macbook, and other other fancy ass vintage cameras too as they all come under this restriction. If they can take pictures then switch it off. That goes for anyone’s granddad or nan that is spotting those old phones with dodgy 2 megapixel cameras. Yes, I am talking to you grandma. Put it away and get some zen in your life, if for a moment.
5. The ALL IMPORTANT RULE – Breath In and Enjoy!
Seriously just take a deep breath and just enjoy! Its so easy to allow phones, gadgets and technology in general interfere with the basics, like having a normal conversation with someone. I mean really have a conversation. I am not saying we now have to discuss war and peace, but just have a conversation that involves looking someone in the eyes. Notice how their lips creases when they talk or how their eyes light up with each description. You can so easily miss out on those personal details that make the human to human conversation that much more interactive and enjoyable. Countless experiences don’t end up on the blog here, why? Because believe it or not blogging is just like a job and just like we all need some time away from our jobs you also need time from the blog sphere too which is morphed into rules 1-4 above.
So switch your phone off, your camera…and get your happy on!
