I challenge you to do something crazy. Go for a walk. Outside. Without your phone (gasp)... That's right. No headphones, no phone calls, no scrolling...
As human beings, we are designed with an inherent need to connect to the natural world around us; this means connecting with other people (in person), to nature, and with ourselves. Modern society and technology have made this increasingly difficult as we have come to rely more and more heavily on our devices as our sole means to socialize and feel "connected" with the outside world. The problem with this is that it's actually left us feeling more isolated, anxious, and trapped in our own thoughts, often times comparing our situations with those we believe others are experiencing (sometimes based on instagram posts alone). One way to get our heads and hearts back in the right place is to actively pay attention to the present moment, and to look around at the world in which we are actually living rather than falling prey to the fantasy land we are creating on our devices. Don't get me wrong here, there is absolutely a time and a place for social media, and technology is making some incredible and positive life-changing advances. However, we need to also take time for ourselves and tune back into who we truly are. I've totally found myself headfirst in "information overload" and mindless scrolling, and it's been a goal of mine this year to be more mindful of these things in my every day life.
I challenge you to do the same, and to take time to disconnect in order to reconnect with where you are, who you are, and with the present moment. This doesn't have to be a full blown digital detox, but some of my favorite ways to disconnect to reconnect (besides yoga, meditation, and mindful breathing) is simply getting outside and going for a walk around the block. No headphones, no phone calls, just you and the world as you are experiencing it in that very moment. Pay close attention to the little things that would normally go unnoticed: your feet on the ground as you walk, cool air on your skin, smell of woodsmoke, the sound of birds— or if you can’t access a quiet back road, park, or a beach, try to just tune in to the sounds of people walking by and cars passing. Just get outside, and become aware. Make eye contact with the people you pass, smile, and notice the things you didn't before. You will feel happier and more connected, and you will love it.
How do you like to disconnect?