“These are unprecedented times” it’s a phrase used in the media a lot lately and it’s true. We haven’t seen this kind of situation in the UK since the bubonic plague of 1665 – apologies if that sounds dramatic, and I don’t wish to be flippant, but it seems a fair comparison.
This lockdown situation had me questioning the point of things and had me wondering what is truly important. I found myself scrolling through Facebook, endlessly filling my head with other people’s frustrations and squabbles. My day was literally so full with other people’s opinions on the pandemic, that I didn’t even know what my own point of view was anymore. I had a permanent brain fog; I was suffocated by it all. That's why I made the decision to take a break from social media. (dun, dun duuun!)
Although the change seemed scary, it was actually very easy to do. I posted a ‘Bye for Now’ message on the Calmer Cactus Facebook page and off I went. I can’t quite describe why, but I instantly felt lighter, like a weight had shifted; I didn’t feel tied to my phone. Within days, something strange began to happen, I found I had spare time – I mean I was still working in the day job, albeit from home, but before and after work I suddenly had this abundance of time, where I would normally be scrolling as if my life depended on it. I don’t think even I had realised how much time I was spending on my phone.
So, what did I do with this mega amount of time I had clawed back? Below is a list, perhaps it will inspire you:
Reach out to friends
Connect by a message, a call or a video, rather than just ‘liking’ a post. I had some really interesting chats and it felt good. I even sent a small gift to a few of them in the post, just to let them know I was thinking of them. If you’re sending gifts, it doesn’t have to be much to make people smile, it just has to be thoughtful, for example a tea bag for the person you most want to have a brew with, perhaps a magazine or their favourite chocolate bar.
Study
Wait, what? Work? Stick with this, if you study to learn something that truly interests you, it can do wonderful things for your mental health. I used some time to study and I actually finished a business diploma in Holistic Therapy that I had started in April 2019! I had a massive sense of achievement that I'd actually finished a task; I’m absolutely chuffed to report that I received a Distinction for my efforts!
Declutter your Tech
Clear all the unused apps and old photos from your laptop, computer, tablet or phone, they are taking up valuable space. My devices now look less cluttered and I can find things easily – I’m actually living the dream! Once I’d stripped the deadwood away, I was able to see what I was missing.
Find something that sparks Joy
All work and no play makes for a very uninspiring life (unless of course you absolutely love your job and get joy from it, in which case go you!). Add things into your week to help your mind and soul. Spend time in the garden, start Yoga, bake, paint, drink loose leaf tea from a teapot - whatever it is that floats your boat, do more of it.
Podcasts
Podcasts are great for getting bite-sized pieces of information. I was recommended to a podcast called Happy Place by Fearne Cotton. Each week, she talks to people in the public eye; it’s full of positivity and inspiration. These type of podcasts are easy listening and a perfect escape for a while. I can also recommend Desert Island Discs for a bit of escapism. Desert Island discs is a BBC Radio 4 show, where celebrities choose 8 tracks of music and talk about why it's personal to them. It has been released as a podcast, just not with the full length songs.
What I learnt from my experience
On the whole I’ve emerged from the month break much calmer, the fog has gone and I'm much more focussed on what is important to me. While I’m gearing up to go back to social, this time I will set limits and I won’t let it consume me.
What do you think about a break from social media? Have you done it or would you do it? Have you discovered what’s important to you during this pandemic? I’d love to hear from you.
If you enjoyed this blog, perhaps you’d like to subscribe to my newsletter where you will be the first to hear of any Calmer Cactus news and information. Link here - Sign up for Calm Mail
Until next time, keep well
Love Charlotte x
Comments