It’s a crazy world out there.
For. All. Of. Us.
For me, unplugging has become non-negotiable—right up there with coffee and sleep. Between caring for Ron (who was in a nasty car accident last Christmas but will be fine), my work, and my family, it feels like someone added extra hours to my day without telling me.
So, how do I unplug? It’s a work in progress, but I do my best to step away a few times a day.
- Morning Escape: I wake up an hour early to steal some time for myself before the world starts making demands. I sit in the sunroom with a steaming cup of coffee and just exist. Sometimes I meditate or read, other times I simply sit and be. Even if I only have ten minutes, I make it happen. And if I’m in a hotel? You bet—I still get up early and take a few minutes to breathe before the day starts. And yes, occasionally, I get lost in funny animal videos—because why not?
- Midday Sanity Check: When possible, I’ll take a bit of lunch to the sunroom and just soak in the peace and take deep breaths of air. Seriously, when stressed, we often breathe shallowly, which can make our stress worse by limiting our oxygen flow. So try taking three deep breaths as you read this; it will help reset your nervous system and bring you a sense of calm.
- Evening Brain Detox: Before bed, I do my gratitude and forgiveness work. I reflect on three things I’m grateful for (sometimes it’s deep, sometimes it’s happiness because coffee exists), and then I make a mental list of who or what I need to forgive that day, and I’ll do the forgiveness mantra. (You can find the forgiveness mantra in my book The Ultimate Path to Forgiveness: Unlocking Your Power.) And no, I’m not done with this work—life keeps handing me new opportunities to practice what I preach.
I’d love to tell you to avoid all negativity and never doom-scroll again, but we both know that’s a fairytale. Instead, I suggest taking small breaks. Step away from the chaos. Walk around the block. Hide in the bathroom if you must (no judgment). Blast your favorite music, or just sit quietly and breathe.
Your mental health is worth it. You ARE worthy of a life filled with joy. It’s your birthright. Never forget that. Just like the safety instructions on a plane, we must put our own oxygen mask on first.
Taking time for yourself and unplugging, even in small moments, is not selfish—it’s an act of self-love that allows you to show up fully for those who need you.
Until next time!
Katharine
