We live in such a busy world, constantly online, that we often forget to give ourselves a break. A break from work, a break from doom-scrolling, from living on autopilot. It is something that happens unconsciously, out of habit. Now and then we need to break the routine, whether it is a positive or negative routine you have to break out of it every once in a while to make room for something different. Something unexpected.
When I catch myself in such moments of repetition, in a slump, or on the brink of burnout I remind myself to disconnect to reconnect. It has become a personal mantra holding multiple significance. It’s about stepping away when you’ve been staring at a screen, and haven’t even left your home all day. It’s about taking a break when you’re creatively stuck and can’t find a solution to a problem. Most importantly, it’s about disconnecting from society to reconnect with yourself.
The Need to Go Touch Some Grass
Constantly switching from our computers to our phones, to even some TV in the background keeps us distracted, not letting a single thought appear in our brains. We take ourselves away from the present moment and just let the time fly by. It’s very easy to get locked in and forget to look up every once in a while and take a much-needed break.
It is essential to step away from the screens and reconnect with the physical world, to intentionally set ourselves back into the present moment. To do the things we are doing and get lost in with more intention. Set yourself a timer—I like using Pomodoro timers and app time limits. Go for a walk, stand in your garden, on your balcony, look out the window—wherever you can see the outside world if you can’t physically step outside. At least 5-10 minutes.
By doing so, not only do you ground yourself back in the present moment but you also avoid burnout, migraines, neck pain, and the feeling of aging faster than you should and the feeling that time is just flying by. It can help you reflect on what you’re doing with your time and how you are spending it. It can get really deep.
Solutions When You Least Expect Them
Oftentimes, the best ideas come to you when you least expect them. You’re stuck with a problem, can’t find a solution, and you’re getting frustrated and annoyed. At times like these, it’s easy to fall into tunnel vision and miss the bigger picture.
Step away from the issue—out of sight, out of mind. Literally, physically leave. Again, go for a walk, hang out with your friends, do any other sort of activity, enjoy your favorite hobbies, or go to bed. Just don’t scroll through social media; you can’t mute the brain and expect a solution. While immersed in these activities, don’t try to actively think about your problem. Let it go.
You might find the solution when you least expect it or when you return to the problem and realize it was right in front of you all along. You’re able to see the bigger picture again. The key is giving yourself the space to see things from a new angle.
This is a classic scenario when working on passion projects. You have no guidelines, no mentors, not much help, just you, yourself, and your own idea. You get stuck, and you either burn out trying to figure out the solution or push it aside, left to be forgotten. Take a break, and disconnect to reconnect.
Disconnect from the World
Doom-scrolling, craving constant dopamine hits. Staying updated on people you haven’t seen in years, and comparing yourself to people you don’t even know. It gets exhausting. Physically, emotionally, mentally exhausting.
It’s like a seed. A seed that you are subconsciously watering every day with thoughts of self-doubt. Thoughts about falling behind, not being successful, not being madly in love—you can think of plenty. It grows into an unwanted plant that you find hard to consciously pluck out of the garden you, hopefully, have so carefully been planting.
If you notice these thoughts, these feelings creeping in, then the time is overdue to disconnect from the world. More specifically, from social media. I’ve tried rewriting this next part to not sound harsh but can’t, so here it goes anyway:
The fear of missing out (FOMO) is, in my personal opinion, a ridiculous thought. You’re missing out on what? Looking at someone else’s highlights of a life that you’re not in? A trend that is going to go away in a week? I think it goes a little deeper than that—a realization that perhaps you’re living through the eyes of others. Craving something you don’t have and desire? Let’s reflect on that.
Once you’re back from your break, I promise you’ll find things just as they were, and you’ll be able to catch up with all the memes and posts your friends sent you. If anything is truly important, you’ll definitely hear it from someone.
I do recommend, however, considering a cleanse of your social media feed before taking the break. Unfollow accounts that don’t bring you joy or add positive value. I’m talking about the models you wish you looked like, the people you’ve met that, honestly, you don’t care about being updated with their lives. We often forget how personal social media is supposed to be. It is no one’s but yours at the end of the day. It should be curated to fit your interests and happiness.
There is nothing more cleansing than disconnecting to reconnect. You come back feeling refreshed, with a clearer sense of who you are, what you want, and what truly matters in life. It’s like magic.
Whether you’ve been doom-scrolling for ages, working non-stop, or battling self-doubt, remember to disconnect to reconnect. It’ll help you live a happier, more intentional life.
Con muchísimo amor,
Isabella
One of my favorite posts so far 👏 we all need this