In this hyper-connected, modern world, too many of us are spending more time on screens than with people or out in nature, scrolling as we watch other people live their lives, rather than living our own. We are living through the most dramatic technological revolution that has ever occurred, with the speed of advancements increasing exponentially.
And while there are many benefits of convenience and connection that come through these advancements, it also comes at the cost of the increasing mental health issues we face with lack of in-person contact and the spread of misinformation and negative forms of communication so prevalent online. It is vital to balance our online time with the soul-lifting, cup-filling antidotes available to us.
To find more peace of mind and space in your thoughts, consider the following tips.
1. Begin — A Morning Routine
How you begin the day will set the tone for how the rest of it unfolds. If the first thing you do is grab your device and see what the world needs and wants from you, you’ve already squandered the opportunity to create the day with purpose, power and intention. Something the most successful people (financially, physically, emotionally and spiritually) have in common is that they engage in some sort of morning routine.
Whether the practice is to meditate, to pray, to journal or to read, the focus is on providing the space for inspiration, creativity and enthusiasm. This is an effective way of releasing events and thoughts from the night before and consciously choosing what to bring into this new day with fresh, revitalized energy.
TIP: If you don’t know how to start, set a timer for five minutes and simply close your eyes and notice the rhythm of your breathing.
2. Move — Any Kind Of Physical Expression
Along with the benefits of technology, comes the tendency to result in way too much time sitting at a desk and/or staring at a screen. At some point throughout your day, it is crucial you move your body. Whether a dedicated workout at the gym or getting up and walking around the office once an hour, the important aspect is that you are using your physiology to create energy. Simply put, you will get more done by intentionally and consistently adding movement to your day than you will by trying to work harder or longer with no movement breaks.
When choosing to add some form of physical expression into your routine, the following two things will increase your chances of success:
Buddy Up — An accountability partner will not only make you more likely to stick to your goal, but the right partner will make your fitness routines more fun.
Plan It — This needs to be scheduled into your day so that you treat it with the same respect and consideration that you would a meeting or an appointment. Scheduling something has a far more impactful intention than hoping it happens.
TIP: If you’re unsure where to begin, a device that tracks your steps is a way to quantify this increase in movement.
3. Get Out — An Outdoor Activity
Spending time outside is not only important for your physical health and well-being, it is vital for your spirit as well. And the good news is that it doesn’t have to take long to be effective. Intentionally adding more outdoor time could be as simple as walking to a nearby shop instead of driving, playing with your dog or child in the backyard, or stepping outside to greet the dawn or the evening stars.
While outside, be sure to take the moment to look around and notice the trees, the grass, the clouds, the birds. Being outside is not only a great way to increase vitamin D levels, but an important reminder of the beauty that surrounds you in your everyday life.
TIP: Silently sitting in nature will give you the same benefits as meditating.
4. Check In — A Moment Of Connection
Human connection is a key component to living a full, satisfied life. Be sure to schedule time to connect with at least one person every day who you know adds joy to your world. Whether meeting for a coffee or making a phone call when you have a moment, making time for those who feel like sunshine in human form is an effective way to balance so much of the communication that is done electronically. A good conversation, a belly laugh, or even the occasional cry with someone you trust is a healthy way to keep in touch with your humanity.
Enhance the experience of your everyday interactions by turning them into moments of true connection. The following tips will enhance your engagement with the people with whom you come into contact throughout your day:
When checking out at a store or riding in a cab, ditch the airpods, and actually make conversation. You might be the only dose of kindness in that person’s day.
When someone politely asks how you are, answer without using the words “good,” “fine,” or “okay.” Whether your alternate response is glowingly positive or critically honest, by not answering on auto-pilot, you are effectively keeping you both in the present moment by disrupting a pattern of rote politeness. Often, your response will encourage a refreshingly candid one from the other person as well. Instead of a forgettable, polite conversation, you can have an authentic exchange.
TIP: Once you begin this one, you may never want to go back to using those three words again.
5. Power Down — A Black-Out Zone
To achieve balance in a high tech world, you don’t necessarily need to throw out all of your gadgets. But if you want to increase the amount of peace you feel and the space between your thoughts, you will want to have times of the day that are tech-free.
If this sounds overwhelming, consider the following as good starting points:
Stop taking your phone to the bathroom.
Treat dinner as your tech-free time to connect with family, friends or your own company.
Look at your schedule for the day and choose one thing that could be enhanced by being unplugged and fully focused.
Decide to ditch the phone for an hour or two before bedtime.
TIP: It doesn’t need to be huge chunks of time, but being purposeful and consistent will make huge difference.
As the presence and accessibility of technology continues to increase, it will be up to us to choose to enact the habits that will balance convenience with consciousness, and progress with peace. The good news is that it’s all possible, one intentional shift at a time.
Joanna Rajendran is a renowned mindset expert, keynote speaker and author. With over two decades of experience learning directly from Master Teacher Tao Porchon-Lynch, a world-renowned yogi and Guinness World Record holder, Joanna brings a unique and transformative perspective to personal growth and empowerment. Her journey with Tao is immortalized in her acclaimed book, My Guru Wears Heels, a must-read that illuminates the power of resilience, grace, and positivity. Her second book, Best.Life.Ever., will be released in Spring 2025.
Find holistic Yoga practitioners in the Spirit of Change online Alternative Health Directory.
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