Dear Homegirl…Turning Your Phone Off For A Day Is A Form Of Self Care

Dear Homegirl,

I’m going to hold your hand when I say this…

Are you ready?

It’s okay to turn your phone completely off for a day, grab a bottle of your favorite wine, and catch up on all the Love Island drama you’ve been missing out on. In fact, it’s quite necessary.

Self-care isn’t just massages and getting face masks - although those are ALWAYS nice too - but simply doing nothing actually does a lot. Okay hear me out. I don’t wanna be the type of girlies, but according to an article by clinical psychologist Francine Toder Pd.D for Psychology Today, “Letting go of everything and doing nothing, even briefly, has mental and physical health benefits.” She emphasises that the idea of doing nothing may cause anxiety or discomfort - especially if we’ve been trained to always be doing something - but can actually manifest amazing results such as lowering blood pressure, muscle relaxation, and bettering focus without having to purchase any products or services.

The idea of always being “on the go” has become normalized. We always feel the need to be doing something. As Dr. Toder mentioned in her article, after the pandemic had left many of us isolated from friends, family, and ultimately everyone, it was very tempting to jump back into that “go mode” mentality. Granted, being forced into seclusion for our own safety was essentially necessary, but human contact and interaction is needed. 

Listen, I am not the best example when it comes to turning my phone completely off, but a dnd (do not disturb) hates to see me coming. If for whatever reason (work, family, everyday obligations) prohibit you from turning your phone off, putting it on silent mode and leaving it on your desk for a few hours would suffice. I know the majority reading this are working adults with lives and the idea of having your phone off for an entire day seems virtually impossible, but you can start somewhere, right? 

“What will I do for those two hours, that hour, even that 30 minutes while I am not glued to my phone?”

I got you!

1. They don’t take that extra $5.99 and $14.99 out of our bank accounts every month for nothing. Log into that streaming service and binge watch a feel good show. I know you’ve been seeing all of the memes, tweets, and clips from these juicy reality tv shows. Grab yourself some good food and make yourself comfortable. Just like a pringle, once you watch one episode, you will be craving for more. Then before you know it, that 30 minute reset without your phone can turn into two hours. And you didn’t even notice.

2. Take a good nap. I’m not talking about that 15 minute nap you take before your next meeting. I’m talking about the kind of nap that’ll have you thinking you slept til the next day.

3. Meditating, yoga, and breathing exercises are definitely on the top of the list for many medical professionals. Taking the time to only focus on your breath, letting your racing thoughts pass by like cars on the highway, and executing the Warrior I and II poses allows you to ground yourself, even for just a moment.

4. Taking a walk in nature, or around the block is another personal favorite. I usually walk and repeat affirmations out loud - with my headphones on of course so people don’t think I am talking to myself. But I honor this moment because it gives me a sense of connection outside of myself. The best talks I can ever have is with God and myself (past, present, and future). If you don’t want to go alone, take your fur baby. I am almost positive they will enjoy that extra time. 

5. Put on your favorite playlist and dance! Dancing is known for raising your vibration and putting you in a good mood. Rather you’re in the mood to get a little ratchet or sway your hips away to some sultry, slow music, a good song will always do the trick. 

6. Get lost in a good book. Whether that be an audio book or if you feel like flipping through a hundred pages with sticky fingers from eating snacks, your imagination will go places. 

So let’s get to it. You deserve a break. You show up for everyone and now it’s time to show up for you. If you’ve been going through it, who knows, maybe a little silence and distance from your phone will do the trick… even for a moment.