Last week, I took a mental health day for my well being.

What does that mean?

You know that feeling when your energy is low? When you feel extra sensitive to the people around you? When the occurrences that come up each day are a bit too much to handle?

The emotions are at the surface, ready to come forward? This may cause crying, sleepless nights, emotional eating, etc?

This was me last Monday. 

I didn’t sleep much the night before. So much was coming forward for me to process. 

Old memories, childhood wounds, sadness that was buried deep, until now.  Blame the moon cycles, the eclipses, whatever; it doesn’t really matter. There is no one to blame.  The only thing to do is to accept what’s coming forward and be with it. 

Further, I’ve been producing content, writing emails and connecting with others in a new way. This is way more than my introverted self is accustomed to.

I went forward with the day, attending to an appointment that was necessary. Turns out I was in the wrong location, or so I was told by the receptionist. She told me to go to the location 15 minutes away. So I did.

When I arrived, they said that they didn’t have me on their schedule, either. What is going on?!

After being given the runaround, no clear answers as to what happened, a good cry in the bathroom, I decided to go home. The amount of stress was just too much.

I took the rest of the day off.

I didn’t want to talk to anyone.

So that’s what I did.

But first, I screamed into a pillow and went for a walk.

Then, I got into bed, stayed in my pajamas, and watched 3 movies.

Ate nourishing foods (and some girl scout cookies 🍪) and drank plenty of water. 

I decided to turn my phone off and not talk to anyone. I told my team what was happening and completely checked out.

What did all of this provide for me?

It gave me space from my obligations to process my emotions and release the built up tension that I was storing. 

Honoring my feelings allows me to process them. In the past, I would have repressed this stuff. Letting it build and build and build, then, a big explosion!

I’ve noticed, that when I allow those feelings to have their space and if necessary, an entire day, I’m more productive in the end. I am happier to do my work, be in my relationships and friendships and everything else that I want to tend to. The pressure valve has been released.

Digital Detox

Further, it gave me a chance to have an unintended digital detox. I turned my phone off! I repeat, I turned my phone off, completely!

You know how it feels to be glued to your screen all day? When your head hurts and your eyeballs are burning by the end of the day. I’ve had many of those days recently. And it turns out, that constant connection isn't doing us any favors when it comes to our mental health. Here are some eye-opening stats that might make you think twice about binge-watching or scrolling endlessly:

1. Sleep, exercise, and diet – oh my! Excessive screen time can lead to poor sleep, lack of physical activity, and unhealthy eating habits. All of these factors contribute to mental health issues like anxiety and depression. It's a domino effect that's hard to stop once it starts.
   

2. Feeling down or anxious? Studies have shown that the more time we spend in front of screens, the higher our chances of experiencing depression and anxiety. It's like a vicious cycle – the more we're on our devices, the worse we feel, and the worse we feel, the more we turn to our devices for comfort.
   

3. Brain on screens? Excessive screen time has been linked to changes in brain development, similar to those seen in individuals who consume alcohol early in life. It's a sobering thought, but it's essential to consider the impact of our screen habits on our brains.

4. Feeling generally "meh"? High screen time has been associated with lower psychological well-being among adults. It's like our devices are sucking the joy right out of life – but only if we let them.

5. Kids and young adults aren't the only ones affected. Longitudinal studies, like the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, have found that excessive screen time is linked to increased behavioral issues and mental health problems in adolescents and young adults. It's a wake-up call for all of us to be more mindful of our screen habits.

So, what can we do about it? Taking regular breaks from our screens, engaging in physical activity, and prioritizing sleep can help us break free from the grip of excessive screen time and improve our mental health. It's time to unplug, recharge, and reconnect with the world around us – and with ourselves.

Something to Try

Join my 3 day digital detox, May 6, 7, and 8.

For 3 days, we will abstain from social media

What to Expect:

During our 3-Day Digital Detox, you'll receive daily emails packed with:

📚 Inspirational quotes and reflections to ignite your journey
🧘‍♀️ Mindfulness and meditation practices to calm your mind
🎨 Creative offline activities to enjoy and express yourself
🌱 Ideas for connecting with nature and your community
💬 Access to an exclusive group for support, motivation, and sharing your experiences

How to Join:

To secure your spot, simply sign up below. Share this email with friends who might benefit from this journey. Together, let's create a wave of mindfulness and reconnection!

It's time to press pause on the digital noise and tune in to the magic of the present moment.