Disconnect to Reconnect

Social media and technology are on the rise more than ever before. With the pandemic, it has been the only form of social connection majority of us had/have, and in turn, people found it more useful as a promotional tool for their newfound businesses, a form of expression, and a point of contact, but relying on social media and technology as a primary force of connection can be dangerous and debilitating to not only our mental and physical health, but to the relationship we have with ourselves.

If you're like me, I used to check my phone first thing in the morning -- immediately checking my notifications, scroll for hours before actually leaving bed, and seeing what messages I had yet to respond to, or lack there of. In doing so, not only did I find my mood and energy were low, but I also realized that I was allowing others and my expectations of others (whether or not I got a text back) to set the tone for my day. And for me, if I started my day off on the wrong foot, it was hard to get out of my intrusive, repetitive thoughts replaying the scenario, reactions, news, etc. in my head over and over again.

The reason a lot of us don't even think twice about disconnecting from social media and technology is that we are so focused on what everyone else is doing. We are so focused on not being alone. We are so focused in seeking out company and comfort in someone else's presence even if just watching a video of them. It can be reassuring, validating, and calming all at once, especially if you're having a rough night, and someone posts a video that has the exact words you needed to hear at the right time.

But the most beautiful thing about disconnecting from social media is that you get to reconnect with yourself. I remember when I first started this as part of my morning and night routine, I was like "what the heck do I do now?" I have always journaled first thing in the morning, did gratitude, affirmations, read a little personal development, but that was as far as my routine stretched for the time being, because the second I picked up my phone, I found myself mindlessly scrolling, and before I knew it, an hour of my morning was gone. However, when I truly committed to at least an hour off of my phone every single morning (and night), I found an amazing opportunity to reconnect with myself through finding new hobbies, trying new things, and finding joy in my own company, which was a struggle for me for the longest time. Through disconnecting, I became more interested in discovering more about myself in those quiet moments -- what sparked joy, what initiated sadness, what made me irritable... and through this new time alone together (me, myself, and I), I was able to find confidence and happiness in the person I was, the person I am, and the person I continue to become.

So how do you come to a place of disconnection in order to reconnect with yourself? Below, I've listed some of my favorite ways to spend time with myself in the morning that have led me to a more energized. productive, intentional, and peaceful day (AND LIFE).

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Make your bed + let the sunlight in

Making your bed first thing in the morning means you'll be less likely to get back in it. It also makes you feel at peace and in some form, ready to take on the day. After that, immediately, open the blinds or curtains and let the sunshine (or natural light) in. Thank me later.

Reflect on yesterday + journal

Journaling and reflecting on yesterday, whether good or bad, helps you process, validate, and release any emotions/past energy that might keep you stuck in your thoughts for this new day. Release those thoughts on paper, and then follow it with gratitude and positive affirmations. Set the tone for your day as a positive one, and affirm how INCREDIBLE you are (because YOU ARE!)

Write out your dreams, goals, intentions

Writing out your intentions for the day allows you to become more self-aware and present with your actions and words throughout the day, and by journaling out your dreams, you get a sense of inspiration, motivation, and belief in yourself. It's the perfect way to start your day -- believe in yourself.

Read a new book

I usually recommend a personal development book or another in which you can curate knowledge and learn more and more each and everyday, not just about life, but rather the power within yourself.

Listen to a podcast

Podcasts are a form of media that are often looked over, but they hold so much depth and power in speaking to the subconscious mind. The media we listened to, watch, and scroll through has so much more power than meets the eye, and that's why it's so important to listen to positive, uplifting media, especially when first starting your day. Podcasts can be comforting, affirming, and provide you with a sense of security within yourself and your journey throughout life.

Declutter your workspace

Organizing your room, workspace, or whatever needs cleaned/revamped within your living area can have huge positive effects on your mind and your day, creating a strong, productive energy that gets you ready to take on the day.

Schedule out your day

Another way to be productive is by scheduling out your day -- knowing what projects you have to tackle whether personally or within your career and work center. This will also help improve your energy and mood by working on things that you enjoy, showing your creative side, and taking steps toward your dream life, no matter how big or how small. It'll keep you focused, on-track, and allow you to plan out your time more efficiently. Just remember to handle yourself with grace when you do this, because it can be mentally conflicting if you didn't complete everything on the list. Be realistic with how much you can accomplish throughout the day, so you can feel as if you worked more efficiently, rather than being not productive enough because you didn't even make it halfway down the list that you created.

Go for a morning walk

Always move your body first thing in the morning. Not only will it help you wake up, and be more energized, but it'll naturally increase your serotonin levels. Feel free to listen to music, only if its positive and uplifting that makes you feel confident, and empowered, and ready to take on the day. Other than that, I highly recommend just listening to the sound of nature, and honestly leaving your phone at home. Take some time for yourself, and be present, and notice the beautiful things found around you each and everyday.

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The point is at the end of the day, you need to make sure the relationship you have with yourself triumphs above all else, because at the end of the day, it's only you. It doesn't matter if you spend five minutes with yourself or five hours with yourself, each moment that you do takes up space, creates value, and makes a difference in your day to day life. Not only will building a better relationship with yourself help you, but it will also help improve the relationships you have with others as well.

And the only way to truly build that relationship with yourself is through giving yourself space, disconnecting, and shutting off the noise and influence of others in order to find out who you are so you can continue to build, create, and dream a life that you LOVE living.

What are some of the ways to connect and build a relationship with yourself?