Short Read.. But a good one! xo
Why Don’t We Unplug? And What Can We Do About It? Ever wonder why it’s so hard to step away from the grind? Why do we keep pushing, even when we're on the brink of exhaustion? Fear... We’re afraid that if we stop, everything might fall apart. It’s tough to let go of control when we feel overwhelmed, at risk, or alone. This fear creates a relentless cycle of overwork, burnout, and eventual collapse. But here’s the good news—it’s a cycle that can be broken. As leaders, we shape our culture, but we’re ultimately responsible for our mindsets and actions. When we don’t unplug, we avoid facing something more profound: our unprocessed fears and anxieties. A woman recently told me in Cancun, "I need to get back to work because when I am off the grid too long, I feel like I'm going crazy." Why do you think that is? We're often addicted to the dopamine rush of endless notifications, likes, and interactions. We fear missing out. We have deep wounds internally and don't know how to heal them other than keeping busy. But the truth is, when we unplug, we’re faced with the actual state of our nervous system—our discomfort, anxiety, grief and even pain. We as a culture don't do negative emotions. Humans aren’t like lightbulbs that can flip off—not really. Excessive use of substances or shifting to another source of media is the typical way most try to turn it off. I work on coaching my clients on this crucial issue. When we try to shut down abruptly, we often seek distractions—substances, food, or other behaviors that can quickly spiral into unhealthy patterns that affect our relationships at home as well. So, what’s the solution? 1. Acknowledge the Fear: Accept that stepping away can bring up uncomfortable emotions. By naming and processing those feelings instead of avoiding them, you create space for true rest. 2. Gradual Detachment: To help your nervous system adjust, ease into unplugging through mindful practices like yoga, qigong, heartmath, or meditation. 3. Mindful Leadership: As leaders, model healthy unplugging by creating spaces for yourself and your team to rest and reflect. Leading by example will encourage others to embrace balance. Don't dial in on vacation. 4. Compassionate Preparation: Plan ahead for downtime. Throughout the week, practice small moments of unplugging to build your capacity for rest and recovery. 5. Be honest with yourself: why are you so afraid to unplug? What are you avoiding? When you start investing in your own mental, emotional, and physical well-being, stepping away becomes easier, not harder. Unplugging isn’t just a pause—it’s an opportunity to reconnect with yourself, your creativity, and your clarity. Face the fear and break the cycle.