Unsubscribe…
This word has been buzzing around my head. I was challenged by a blogger/author recently to unplug for 1000 hours in a year. That is harder than it sounds to do. So I have been thinking about unsubscribing in general. What can we unsubscribe from and how do we do it? Here are some ideas.
Email: all those annoying marketing emails – use the unsubscribe option. I do a lot of online shopping, and every time I buy from a new place, I get almost daily emails from them. So I quickly make use of the unsubscribe link. I can get so lost down a rabbit hole with emails, that I end looking at different things on the internet etc. I think it is helpful to set a time period each day to deal with emails specifically – not as easy to stick to the time but let it become a habit. Unsubscribe from unwanted marketing emails or blogs that you subscribed to and never take the time to read. Delete emails that are no longer needed.
Busyness: this is hard for me because there are times I need to keep busy to tune out the thoughts in my head. See what can be cut out of your schedule or deferred to another day. Even put aside time to sit, with a cup of tea or coffee, in silence for 20 or 30 minute each day. Put the time in your diary and make it non-negotiable. Get out into the garden and pull some weeds – it is surprisingly therapeutic.
People: let’s face it, we all have people in our lives that we can let go of. Unfriend them on social media, delete their number from your phone. You may experience guilt, but it will get easier if you persist. Don’t be a slave to your phone. It’s ok not to answer every call or text immediately. Anyone remember the days before mobile phones? I often go out and leave my phone at home.
Distractions: remove some apps from your phone like Facebook. When you meet someone for coffee or lunch, put the phone on silent and out of sight so you’re not partially present. Giving those with you your undivided attention is such a gift. It may help to have a to do list for the day. Stop binge watching Netflix or some other streaming service. Give yourself a time limit for social media
Work: when you leave work, leave work. This has been one of the hard ones for me as I work from home. But recently, I have stuck to my work times and close the office door and leave whatever is undone to the next day. I have worked too many 10-hour days to count and, while I know there are times extra effort is required, they are rare and there is very little that cannot wait.
Ask yourself some questions. Will this harm me or some else if I don’t do it now? Is this stopping me from doing what I know I should be doing? Is this person adding to my life, neutral or detrimental? Not wanting to reinvent the wheel, I recommend reading The Unplugged Hours by Hannah Brencher for more ideas.
Great blog Su, plenty of food for thought there and so positive. You always give us things to think about. Thanks for sharing your wisdom, always helpful x