I’ve been struggling to feel really energised and motivated lately. Even though we can move around, travel, go to events, socialise and see each other again I feel a bit flat. I’m thinking a number of things are impacting my flatness; current world events, being out of the habit of getting out there and making stuff happen, perhaps a bit of fatigue around my home and (even though I recognise the irony of the fact that I’m writing this on a computer), screen fatigue.
Over the past couple of years I’ve got into the habit of looking at my phone as soon as I wake up. I think perhaps because, living on my own through the pandemic, it was a way to feel connected. Or perhaps it’s just the addictive nature of phones. Maybe both. But the bottom line is I can see I’ve created a habit where I’m plugged into information from the get go.
I can see that beginning the day in this way sets me off on an unhelpful course. I feel tense, I keep checking things like the news, social media, messages. I know my sympathetic nervous system (or fight or flight nervous system) is switched on and I’m therefore looking out for the next threat and reacting rather than gently taking on board information and responding.
It sets me off in a less than joyful way, it feels unconscious, heady, fast paced. It’s everything I set up Bird not to be. And I’m reminded how easy it is to jump onto the treadmill each morning and feel a bit numb through the day.
And so I’ve started to try and make a few changes. I’ve committed to trying as best I can not to jump onto my phone first thing. The only thing I am allowed to do is yoga or meditation (through apps on the phone) but other than that, I try and take some time before engaging online. Second to that, I am trying to step back through the day. If I notice I’m sat in front of the screen for too long I go and get some fresh air. Luckily over the past few days I’ve been able to put my face in the sun, and it has felt like a glorious reset.
I’m nowhere near nailing this just yet. But I made a decision yesterday to try and have a summer of fun, and I think starting the day in this way, and taking moments through the day to disengage from technology will help me in this quest.
With love as always, Hannah and Team Bird
Image by Linda Xu https://unsplash.com/@rhindaxu