Lately, I’ve been making it a habit to not be so available on my phone and email as much anymore. Whether it’s emails from authors or pending projects, I realize how important it is to have “off” moments. I wonder if our gig economy has made it harder for us to relax. Or maybe it’s always been hard for us.
I’ll be honest it’s hard to let go sometimes. I’ll see an author question come in, whether for WOW! Women on Writing or for this blog, and I’ll wonder if I should reply. Then I say to myself that it’s okay to not be available. It’s okay to have “off” time. I think that’s the hard thing about doing freelance work. It’s tough to let go. It’s also been hard because I’m trying to bring back an unemployment blog I started, Lady Unemployed and it’s hard to let that go too.
So, today if this sounds like you, make sure you give yourself “clock out” time. Clock out for the day and stop checking your email. Turn off notifications for social media. Make sure you are present in your own life sometimes.
How have you stopped doing so much? Do you give yourself clock out time?
Nicole, your post resonated deeply within me. I struggle daily with shutting down from everything. Yet Sundays are my escape. I check emails, twitter, and/or facebook, and then I disappear. It took a few years to unplug and not be available for everyone, but if I didn't, how could I fill the well of my own soul? Happy Sunday! Now I'm off to finish one more task and "clock out" for the rest of the day.
Absolutely!! If the Lord Himself rested, we can too. Hope you have a nice Sunday!
Wisely said.
Thanks!
My family thinks I'm horrible because I don't answer my phone unless I absolutely feel like answering it. I stopped doing Facebook awhile ago because it's a complete waste of time and as for the rest of social media…well, I just don't involve myself in any of it. I take vacations from my blog every now and then when I need to blow the cob webs out of my brain.
I've definitely cut back on social media! It's not nearly the same type of appeal anymore. And blog vacays are always good. I feel refreshed when I return!
I've gotten much better at not checking my phone, email, texts all the time. I try to make sure I do it more on purpose than just automatically. I still slip up sometimes but I recognize it now when I'm slipping back into old habits. š
OH me too!! It's such a habit now, I'm embarrassed by it. I like when I'm disciplined enough to turn my phone off at night.
I never had any devices until i was an adult which I think makes me less dependent on them now. Though I will admit I hate when the power goes out, firstly because it may be cold, but secondly because I won't be able to get on line!
I have been trying to do this lately,sometimes it's hard because I feel like I will miss something important but it is definitely worth doing at times!
My problem is always being there for others, then they start taking advantage of me. I have gotten into looking at the caller before I answer. I just had to step back, because I was living my life for others, not for me.
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