This weekend, I did something radical for the first time in months: I didn’t turn on my computer.

This weekend marked a shift, stepping away from the usual routine of being constantly connected.

Of course, I’ve known this was a good idea since I discovered the Internet in the late nineties, but I have yet to pull the plug. 

What unfolded was a journey from anxiety to clarity, highlighting the profound importance of unplugging—not just for mental peace but for truly reconnecting with what matters most.

The discomfort of being unplugged was real. I felt a constant undercurrent of panic, a nagging unease, and a persistent worry about not being plugged in. Yet, this discomfort also opened the door to deep joy, reconnection with loved ones, rediscovery of passions, and a clearer mind.

This experience serves as a reminder of the things that truly nourish us.

I want this practice to be a habit in my life, not a fucking event! 

In this post, we’ll explore how taking a break from the digital world can help reflect, reset, and recharge, along with practical tips on how to do the same to beat anxiety and regain focus.

The Anxiety of Unplugging

I’d written my 750 words, a personal writing exercise I do every day, right after midnight because why not?

But when I woke up, I decided to meditate longer.

I thought, “Why would I open my computer today, especially when I said I’d unplug?”

I knew unplugging would be good for me. Still, I couldn’t shake the panic about forgetting something for Monday, even though everything was set up in Upbase, our project tool.

The Walk to the Butcher: A Test of Commitment

My wife and I walked to our local Argentine butcher, Carniceria Siga La Vaca, to see Hernan for chorizos and chimichurri.

This simple errand became a test of my commitment to unplugging.

I was happy walking with her, enjoying the day ahead.

However, I still felt a constant undercurrent of panic, a nagging unease, and a persistent worry about not being plugged in.

It was like a drug addict being away from their supply, but I was committed to unplugging, so I kept going.

The BBQ: A Moment of Reconnection

Arriving at our friend’s house, I was immediately struck by the familiar sights and smells.

The sun shining on the table and the scent of the parrilla (Argentinian grill) took me back to Buenos Aires many times.

This was a moment of pure reconnection, a warm and nostalgic feeling that enveloped me, a feeling that I wouldn’t have experienced if I hadn’t unplugged.

It has been ages since we’ve been to Buenos Aires, COVID and moving to Vigo in Galicia. 

All of August, I’ve been thinking about this:

• How far have we come since we last were there?
• How much has happened?
• How long it has been. 

Letting Go: The Art of Relaxing

As we all gathered around the house and brought food to the table, I felt a wave of relaxation wash over me.

The combination of the sun on the food and the voices talking moved me to another level of calm.

I always get such a bolt of positive energy when I’m eating good food in the sunshine with people I love—it’s the same high feeling I used to get years ago after pouring packets of drugs down my throat while jumping around to Carl Cox in Space and Roger Sanchez in Pacha.

Today, the bolt of positive energy is high, natural, all-natural, and long-lasting.

(And Carl and Roger sound better than ever in my new state of being!)

Reflection and Realisation

In the few seconds I was looking at the food and scooping my wife’s pickled aubergines onto delicious bread with the chorizo cooked by Lautaro, I reconnected with being here now and felt my mood shift.

August 2023 to now had been a slog, and suddenly, in that second, I could see the path that had gotten me here.

Life is gorgeous, and I felt a sense of accomplishment for successfully unplugging.

The Importance of Unplugging

After lunch, I took a nap. Lying down, staring at the blue sky, and deliberately not thinking about anything, I let what was important naturally come up.

When something popped in that I could let go, I ‘swiped right’ and left a blank space.

Because Emily and I had planned the week, I only had to think about something on Monday.

Reflection and Realisation

In the few seconds I was looking at the food and spooning my wife’s pickled aubergines onto delicious bread with the chorizo cooked by Lautaro, I reconnected with being here now and felt my mood shift.

August 2023 to now had been a slog, and suddenly, in that second, I could see the path that had gotten me here.

All the tricky coaching conversations with Ann and Jim got my head out of my arse.

I broke down the workflow with my business partner, Emily, to get us to a place to work on what and how we wanted.

And the epic journey of the Bring It ’23 course with Jamie Catto, where I’m now mentoring a group with my mate Sara on the Bring It ’24 cohort.

Life is fucking gorgeous.

Rediscovering Old Passions

After my nap, I woke up, and Lautaro was playing guitar. I picked up the guitar and started to strum—then looked up how to play chords on my phone.

I’ve wanted to do this for ages!

Having my head empty meant I could trust myself to stop worrying and open up to doing something I have always wanted to do but never got around to permitting myself.

I had to think hard, but I reopened the “let’s play guitar” part of my brain and felt a twang of joy and inspiration.

The Snow Globe Analogy: Permission to Unplug

Over the years, I’ve learned that we make time when we permit ourselves to take time.

Unplugging is not just about taking a break; it’s about gaining mental clarity.

Just like the snowflakes settle, and the picture becomes more apparent, taking time to unplug can help you see your life more clearly.

Take Action: Unplugging for Clarity

If you’re overwhelmed by your workload or the constant buzz of being ‘on,’ I challenge you to unplug a few hours this week. 

Leave the phone, close the laptop, and do something that connects you to the present moment. 

You might be surprised by the clarity and energy it brings you.

People on the Internet can be annoying when they make suggestions and make it sound all too easy, like:

• “All you need to do xx.”
• “Why don’t you just xx?”
• “So get yourself to – insert name of the hip shop and buy this £50 green juice made with unicorn eyelashes and avocado, and life will be ok!”

I always feel dumb for not taking these simple steps and even more silly for getting into this situation.

A situation where I’m looking for help on the Internet – because I’m too ashamed to ask anyone I know for help, even my therapist.

Changing is difficult when you are run down, overworked, panicked, and stressed. 

Walk, don’t run

Going for a walk or run is the best thing I can do to shift my mindset to a better space. Still, sometimes I feel trapped and don’t want to step away from my computer because I’m terrified I’ll forget something.

What works for me is doing something so stupidly small I know it won’t hurt. 

Walking around the block takes me seven minutes from my desk to around the block and back again.

Seven minutes – I can do anything for seven minutes! 

I never regret it—and I often have shifted much just by moving my body, so I walk two more blocks to Club del Cafe for the best espresso in Vigo. 

Within minutes of the walk and coffee, I’m channelling my ‘inner Bernie’ rather than Marvin the Paranoid Android, which is where I was before. 

When there is movement in my body, there is movement in my life. It is a little chat I have with myself to get moving. 

Tiny Practical Tips for Unplugging:

• Start Small: Try unplugging for just a few hours to ease into it.
• Plan Ahead: Schedule your unplugged time to avoid conflicts with essential tasks.
• Pair with Relaxing Activities: Combine unplugging with something you enjoy, like a walk, reading, or cooking.

Resources to Explore:

Books:

I’ve read hundreds of books on self-development and calm; here are two that sincerely helped me.

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking – by Susan Cain.

When I read this book in 2015, I realised how many things I was trying to do made me ill.

For example, speaking to large crowds zapped my energy for days and gave me panic attacks—this is why I like small, connected community gatherings. 

The 5 Second Rule: Transform your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday Courage  by Mel Robbins

In the last ten years, I’ve read every Mel Robbins book and found her combination of research, swearing, and being realistically human to be a great help—listen to Mel’s podcast if you can’t do a book. 

Meditation

• I use the accessible version of this meditation app – Insight Timer
• Look for our mate Thor A Rain there to get started on Insight Timer.
• Listen to Emily and Thor in their Coworking Values Podcast episode ‘The Power of Emotional First Aid’ there.