Unplug

Fixated – this is the word that came to mind this morning as I looked across the Dallas airport at hundreds of fellow passengers – all on their cell phones and electronic devices. I smiled when I realized the number of them that appeared to be families heading off on summer vacations. However, as I sat and waited on my connecting flight for about 30 minutes, I found myself hoping these families would not only be taking a vacation from their normal routines, but from technology, as well.

I spent a good deal of time gardening these past few weeks. Although the work can be physically exhausting, I always feel mentally and emotionally relaxed after a day in the yard. I think one of the main reasons for this is because when I’m outside for extended periods, my brain is able to unplug from my normal frenzied state and really relax.

We know that electronics stimulate the brain – which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. However, when technology becomes a constant, mental and emotional well-being suffers. This is the problem with stepping away from work-related technology and jumping on other forms of it. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and game apps can be described in many ways, but relaxing is not often one of them.

Although physically I’m heading off to my next work-related adventure in North Carolina, mentally I’m thinking about the new piece of garden art my office manager gave me. She knows me well. Every time I look in my backyard and see my Zen frog, I’m reminded to slow down and make time to unplug. I’d type more thoughts, but then I would be doing a very poor job of practicing what I preach.

Happy summer rest time, friends.