Digital Detox

Digital Detox

by | Jan 17, 2017 | Choices, Mindfulness, Success

What usually comes to mind when we think about addiction is the compulsive consumption of unhealthy substances like fatty food, cigarettes, alcohol and drugs. While many of us take pride in avoiding these harmful habits, we rarely think about our mental addictions that can have the same debilitating impact on our mood, our personal and professional relationships, and our physical health.

Almost everyone I know has felt that obsessive urge, a persistent compulsion, to check our phones or laptops for the latest email or social media update. Some of us also struggle with peeling our eyes from our television or stepping away from our video games. In short, we as a society are fixated, addicted to anything with a screen.

What’s also shocking is that nearly everyone I’ve spoken to wishes they were less attached to their devices and more engaged with the world around them. The problem is that our digital devices actually serve an important purpose in our lives- connecting with others.

Fortunately, I am offering three ways you can gently unplug while still using technology for what’s it worth.

Set Boundaries

In my videos, I talk about the importance of setting boundaries so that you keep your mind focused on fulfilling your life’s highest calling. Thanks to technological advances, we are able to reach out to virtually everyone and anyone at any time, which makes respecting others’ boundaries very difficult. For the sake of your own peace and clarity, you must decrease others’ expectations that- through texting or social media messaging- you will always be available to them. Set a time during the day when you’re available to others, both personally and professionally, and times when you are not. If you get a text in the evening from a co-worker, explain that you’ll take care of it first thing in the morning. These boundaries are necessary if you’re to maintain a positive, balanced energy.

Stressed? Put Down the Gadgets

By not setting boundaries between yourself and the digital mediums through which everyone can contact you, you put yourself at risk of burning out. Workaholics and other people who push themselves to the brink of collapse, in both their professional and personal lives, can be successful… up to a point. They have yet to achieve the kind of long-term, sustainable, world-altering elite success that they were clearly meant for. To truly capitalize on all of your strengths, to be fully invested in long-term gain, you must know when to replenish your energy.

When you’re stressed out, anxious, frustrated or bored, put down the technology. Turn off the screens. Put your smart phone on sleep mode. Set aside time for deliberate rest, which will increase your physical and mental capacities when you’re ready to start up again. Mental clarity and focus is necessary to achieve the vision you have for your future, and you can only do that by taking a break from digital distractions.

Stop Using Technology To Multi-Task

Research has proven that no one is good at multi-tasking, no matter what people may say. Human beings are most productive when they’re mindfully focused on the challenge at hand, not having their attention pulled in different directions. Unfortunately, our computers, televisions, and especially our smart phones make it difficult for us to focus intently on one task without being driven to distraction. Those shiny screens are meant to draw our attention away from the possibilities of the here-and-now. Don’t let it happen.

To quote Nike, just do it. When you’ve set yourself up for accomplishing a goal, big or small, you must make a mental commitment to finish what you started. You can’t do that if you’re distracted by texts, social media updates, or clickbait. Take a moment to pause and reflect on the work you ought to be doing this very moment, whether it’s accomplishing a certain goal or simply being present in the world.

As the Peak Performance Expert, I can help you find new ways to mindfully approach your life so that your mind, body and spirit are all on the same team. Ask me how Peak Performance Mentoring or Team Peak Performance Training can help you re-focus your attention on your endgame – which is to be the very best you can be.

Tapping Into Nature for Clarity, Focus and Calm

Tapping Into Nature for Clarity, Focus and Calm

by | Jul 6, 2016 | Mindfulness, Spirituality

Life can be overwhelming at times. From the stresses of the day to day, work, traffic, interpersonal relationships, etc it can all be a bit much. Wouldn’t it be nice if there were somewhere you could recharge your batteries? Some place beyond the pages of a book, the gym, or the man cave? What if I were to tell you that there is and it is all around you?

Nature has always been a source of healing, renewal, and regeneration. Whether you’re out in your own garden or deep in the wilderness, the natural world is awe inspiring, powerful, and deeply relaxing. The curative powers of nature have been known the world over for centuries. Hippocrates may have said it best when he said, “nature cures-not the physician”.

It may sound a little New Age-y to you, but there is actual scientific data to back up these claims. As far back as the 1970’s, studies have touted the restorative benefits of nature. One study concluded that hospital patients, whose windows face a natural setting, recover nearly twice as quickly as and with far less complications than those whose rooms are without windows or have a more industrial view.

And let’s face it; “getting back to nature” is really just a return to our natural state of being. Communing with nature reminds us of where we come from, because we are a part of the earth. Returning to nature liberates us from all the trappings of a technological society and lets us to exist in our truest state. Allowing ourselves time in nature gives us the opportunity to heal, recharge, and reconnect.

However, fostering that connection with nature isn’t just as simple as going outside. You will want to be in an outdoor space that makes you feel nurtured and at ease. You will need to be receptive to the wisdom that the earth offers. If you don’t immediately feel a connection, don’t worry. Try some deep breathing or meditation. And if you are still unable to feel the connection, then let’s talk. You may be experiencing emotional and spiritual blockages that can be removed by the bioenergetics work that I do. Avenues to love and light need to be open to fully experience the healing qualities of nature.