Relax, Restore & LIVE Your Life!
Are you running your business or is your business running you?
In this day an age it can be extremely difficult to be intentional about how we spend our time. The price we pay for the “conveniences” of our cell phones can often be counterproductive and detrimental to the quality of our life. Sometimes it feels like there’s no real escape from emails, texts, and the constant ding of social media notifications. That’s why it’s all the more important to devote time and energy to the art of unplugging and relaxing. You’ll be a better person for it, and your work will benefit tenfold.
Here are my favorite ways to unplug and take back control of my time!
Ten Ways to Unplug + Take Back Your Time
Ten ways you can unplug and refill your cup so you can continue to pour into others.
- Take advantage of the “Do Not Disturb” phone settings.
Those settings exist for a reason! You can still check your phone if an emergency arises, but this setting will help you minimize distractions and maximize your efficiency while you work.
Check out this post about boosting your productivity by minimizing distractions!
- In fact, leave your phone in another room.
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received was to leave my phone (and my laptop) in another room whenever I want “me” time or time with my family. If it’s not easily accessible to you, you will be less likely to check notifications or scroll social media and spend more quality time with your loved ones.
- Communicate to others when you’ll be unavailable.
It takes a village, so when you know you’re going to be unavailable, let relevant people know when you’ll be taking time away to unplug. If the right people know you’re unavailable, they’ll be able to help protect your time away.
- Protect lunch breaks and time off.
Get into the mindset that your meal times and time outside of work are sacred. If you use time blocking, schedule these blocks of time into your calendar and make them non-negotiable.
- Take advantage of email auto-responders.
Being away from your computer doesn’t mean you have to let your communications slip. Protect your time by setting up automated email responses to let others know that you have received their message and will respond when you are back in the office.
- Delegate, delegate, delegate.
Delegation is a helpful thing to know how to do, whether you’re delegating to a partner, an assistant, or an employee. Learning when it’s best to pass things off to someone else is a skill that will give you a wealth of time. I even delegate to my children! It gives them an opportunity to contribute in meaningful ways and they love when their efforts mean “more fun mommy time!”
Thinking of hiring an assistant? Here are some benefits of hiring a trustworthy Virtual Assistant!
- “No technology” zones are your friend.
Sitting down for dinner? Put away the phone. Keep your computer out of your bedroom. Set up a few sacred spaces where technology should be limited or completely put away.
- Build a list of hobbies that aren’t on your phone or computer.
You might get caught up in scrolling through Instagram or TikTok, or checking your email obsessively. It happens to everyone. But if you have a good list of hobbies you can do that don’t involve technology, you won’t find yourself endlessly scrolling just because you’re bored.
- Schedule in-person social time with others.
This one is self-explanatory, but best when paired with the “no technology” zone rule. Get caught up in meaningful connections when your phone is put away on silent.
- Spend time in nature.
Time in nature is really beneficial– sunlight, trees, the chattering of animals… Check out these fun places to explore in Southern Louisiana below.
Fun Places to Hike in Southern Louisiana
- Barataria Preserve
“With more than 26,000 acres of wild Louisiana wetlands, the Barataria Preserve’s hardwood forest, swamp, bayous, and marsh offer trails, picnic areas, fishing, hunting (in season and with permits), and wildlife viewing. Visitor center films and exhibits explain the wetland’s habitat and current environmental challenges; ranger programs are offered daily. Programs at the environmental education center are available by reservation. Admission to the preserve and to most programs is free.” – National Park Services
- Grand Isle State Park
Although Grand Isle State Park is closed temporarily due to damage from Hurricane Ida, “A beach ridge created by the action of the waves of the Gulf, Grand Isle serves as a breakwater between the Gulf and the network of inland channels that connect to the bayou tributaries of the Mississippi River. It is also the launching point for excellent deep-sea salt-water fishing adventures… This unique environment attracts numerous species of birds and other wildlife, so bring your binoculars or a camera to enjoy the opportunity to view nature unspoiled.” –Louisiana State Parks
- Sabine National Wildlife Refuge
“Located approximately 26 miles south of Sulphur, Louisiana, Sabine National Wildlife Refuge has numerous recreation areas where you can fish, crab, or take a hike. Whether you are looking for an alligator to photograph or just a place to stretch your legs, the Wetland Walkway is always an adventure.” – U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services
- Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area
“The WMA’s terrain is characterized by rugged hills, bluffs, and ravines. The area lies at the southern end of the “loess blufflands” escarpment that follows the east bank of the Mississippi River south from its confluence with the Ohio River. These blufflands offer a diverse and unique habitat that supports some species of plants and animals not found elsewhere in Louisiana.” – Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries
- Couterie Forest
“Couturie Forest is the perfect place to escape from the city without ever leaving
town! Combined with Scout Island, the 60-acre Couturie Forest is a nature lover’s
haven filled with native trees, scenic waterways, and fascinating wildlife — all in
the heart of the New Orleans.” – City Park New Orleans
