Take a Digital Cleanse

As I go about my day, I’m surprised by how many people I see wearing AirPods. It doesn’t matter if I’m in the grocery line, walking outside, or driving my car—people are choosing to be constantly plugged in.

There’s a lot to listen to: audiobooks, podcasts, music, making telephone calls, etc.

But there is beauty and purpose in silence.

I’ve started timeboxing my phone use and listening to media. After a certain time of day, I refuse to answer email or check social media.

When I go for a run or a walk, I don’t put in my AirPods.

Why?

There is a lot to be stressed out about these days: war, bills, health issues, AI, the economy—the list goes on and on.

But making time to listen to your own thoughts?

Well, I’m not seeing people do that as much.

If we’re not able to regulate our emotions in a healthy way, how are we able to grow?

There is an endless source of content for us to stuff away our feelings. We can listen to people chatter on for 24/7 for the rest of our lives and still not see or hear everything.

(According to research, 720,000 hours of videos are uploaded to YouTube every day.)

Choosing to unplug and be present can be challenging, but why not give it a try?

Pick a time or a full day and go unplugged.

Then write down how you feel, what you’re going through, and decide for yourself if you find that it’s helpful to you or not.

What do you have to lose?