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7 Ways to Disconnect to Relax and Recharge

It’s finally Friday, and a long weekend is in store (Monday, is a Public Holiday…yay!), but how to make the most of the weekend, and make sure to relax and recharge, so we’re feeling refreshed when we head back to work.  

Being connected all the time to our work through our phones is damaging our health, with many studies reporting increases in anxiety, depression, stress, headaches, neck issues and poor sleep.  

It’s time to disconnect from your devices and relax and recharge this weekend.

7 Ways to disconnect to relax and recharge

Limit your screen time

Turn off your devices including your phone, or at least set times for checking social media or emails, and be strict on yourself to ensure you adhere to these set times. An article by Fitbit, says there are a number of benefits to reducing your screen time including reducing eye strain, preventing headaches, improving your sleep and increasing your focus.

Get a good night’s sleep

To get a good night’s sleep, you should first stop using your phone for at least an hour prior to going to bed, try to create a nice sleep environment by minimising noise and light, and try not to do anything that might hype you up, such as drinking caffeine before bed.   Mel Robbins also says that you should never sleep with your phone in the same room, or use it as an alarm clock. Also, while it’s nice to catch up on some missing sleep, don’t oversleep it will only make you feel more fatigued. 

Make time for exercise or meditation

Ok, so I’m not one for meditation but I know many others are, I would prefer some light exercise such as a walk or a bike ride.  Meditation can help you reduce stress and anxiety, and get you back in touch with your body.  Exercise can help reduce stress and make you feel energised.  Choose what suits you best.

Eat good food

Plan to eat good, nutritious and healthy food over the weekend.  Don’t get me wrong – “good food” on a relaxing weekend, to me, also means a nice wine and some cheese, but I’m not going to go over the top and eat junk food all weekend.  Eating well can help you feel energised and healthier overall. 

Set yourself small projects that are enjoyable

One of the best ways, I’ve found, to feel recharged over a weekend, is to plan something, such as finishing a book, planting a new garden bed or doing something creative.  I recommend not undertaking a major project, such as completely renovating a bathroom, doing something like that will only leave you feeling like you haven’t had a break.  By planning to do something, and actually doing it, you’ll feel better for achieving something instead of wasting away a weekend with your head stuck in your phone on social media.  

Connect with family and friends

Connect with those people who make you feel good, and you enjoy spending time with.  A coffee date, picnic or early morning walk.  Connecting with people, whose company we enjoy, can make us feel so much better.  

A weekend getaway

Short weekend getaways are a great option.  If planning a weekend getaway, try to go somewhere without service.  If this is giving you heart palpitations, maybe start with just leaving your laptop at home.  Getting out of town in itself can feel like you’re leaving your worries behind. A study by the University of Illinois has shown that weekend getaways create an opportunity for a mental break which can lead to improved focus and productivity.

Conclusion

So what are you waiting for, take action now to disconnect for the weekend ahead.  You can thank me later!  

What’s the best advice you have for someone wanting to disconnect?

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