I created Living ROI as a passion, to share my experiences and support others who want to live more authentic, joyful and fulfilling lives.
Dear Friends,
Most of us know that taking time off is important. It refreshes us and enhances our creativity and productivity. Then why do so many of us, most of us, not take the time off we need to rejuvenate ourselves? I ask myself this question because I, too, have a hard time unplugging.
Einstein is one of the great examples of the power of getting away from the office. He loved to sail, and it was out on the water that he observed the workings of the universe and had breakthroughs in his thinking.
I encourage my colleagues and friends to take vacations where they can really unplug and celebrate them when they do; and yet, I rarely unplug when I’m on “vacation.” I don’t like to admit this. As a self-professed “live your best life” promoter, I’m embarrassed that I haven’t mastered the art of the break.
Life is full of distractions and constant multi-sensory stimulation. These days we are usually doing a number of things at the same time—cooking and listening to an audiobook, jumping around to multiple documents on our computer as new information and demands continue to stream in via email and a multitude of other digital channels at work and at home.
Technology has been a blessing and a curse. I used to LOVE reading physical books, and now, I find I don’t have the time or the attention span to do it regularly. And, when I do, I have several books on my nightstand that I will jump between. Now I listen to audiobooks, which I can do simultaneously with tasks such as driving, cooking, working around the house and getting ready in the morning.
During the weekends, I feel like I need to spend time getting “caught up.” It’s an elusive goal. My phone is always within reach and I feel like a slave to screens.
Busy and distracted people don’t have epiphanies. Great realizations occur when we’re relaxing—staring up at the sky, out at the sea, or wandering among trees.
Einstein wrote to a friend, “How conducive to thinking and working the long sea voyage is—a paradisiacal state without correspondence, visits, meetings, and other inventions of the devil!” What would Einstein think of the smartphone?
To truly recuperate and have breakthroughs in our thinking, we need to be away from our routines and computers, observing the world.
In her article, “Why Taking a Vacation Might be the Best Way to Improve Productivity,” Joelle Steiniger says, “We drastically underestimate how much we need breaks. Real breaks.”
Steiniger recommends a remote, unplugged vacation with minimal stimulation and access to nature versus going to a city.
Here are Steiniger’s five key factors for creating a rejuvenating getaway:
- Make very few decisions
- Don’t keep track of time
- Play games, work on puzzles
- Reflect
- Spend time in nature
Oftentimes a vacation is not an option, so we need to find regular opportunities to take a day or two or even an afternoon where we take a break from our screens and routines and get outside and chill.
Wishing you rejuvenation!
Barbara Fagan-Smith
CEO, ROI Communication
Chief Catalyst, Living ROI
P.S. Inspired by this topic, Colin and I just booked a vacation in February in a remote location. I am committing here that I will unplug from email and leave work behind!
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