****Note that this is a sponsored post for StyleList Canada inspired by Trident’s Keep Life in Focus Campaign***
As a blogger and freelancer I am always attached to my phone. Taking photos and sharing them on social media as well as staying connected to clients and readers is part of my daily routine. Normally, unless I’m reviewing a spa where the sound of a phone would provoke dirty looks, my phone is within reach. While spas can be relaxing and a great excuse to not use my phone my mind is usually still running wild thinking about my write up on the service or which pictures I want to share on Instagram.
There have been times when I find myself in a panic if I’ve left my phone at home even if I’m only away for a couple of hours. Those are the times when I have to stop myself and remember that there was a time not too long ago when I didn’t even have a cell phone or at least a smart phone and I functioned just fine!
When I find myself getting into these obsessive times over my phone I make sure to plan time during the week – usually on the weekends – to completely unplug. I try to keep it simple – I just get out and go for a walk. I’m lucky that I live near some very picturesque parks and walking paths and also in a beautiful neighborhood. When I’m outside I can’t be fiddling with my phone as I have to pay attention to what’s going on around me (unless I want to royally upset others out and about!). I’ll admit…I do cheat and carry my phone with me just in case! (Hey, it’s not healthy to go cold turkey!). But I honestly never reach for my phone when I’m enjoying nature. For one, I can never hear the notifications coming in and also I can’t even see the screen especially when the sun is shining so I don’t even bother trying!
One of my absolute favourite things to do is to head to the park near my house with my husband and a bag of peanuts to feed the squirrels and chipmunks. When I first started going to the park to feed them it was a little intimidating but then I learned to read the cute little creatures and when they warm up to you too they’ll come right up to you and eat out of your hands! I love days when there are plenty of squirrels and chipmunks to feed (early morning is best) since I’m not even thinking about what I’m “missing out” on in the world wide web. I can really be in the moment enjoying the weather, the company and nature.
After a day spent with furry friends I can’t help but feel happy and cheerful. This in turn allows me to focus on the positive and essentially turning my brain off to focus on something other than the blog is really helpful to get me back into the research and writing mode. Ironically as a beauty blogger I sometimes forget to look around me and see all the beauty that occurs naturally so being unplugged really refreshes me and allows me to open my eyes to different sources of inspiration.
What do you do to Keep Life In Focus?