The past few weeks, coffee hasn’t been cutting it in the name of energy and focus. It’s irritating to say the least.
I drink my water, I get my rest (mostly), and I exercise. I spend time outside, I read, and even take my vitamin D supplements.
So? What gives? Why the sluggish, zombie-like feeling?
While things like the turn of seasons and changing hormones contribute to more yawns (and more eye rolls), we tend to forget that our basic needs include human connection — among safety, movement, exercise, and a healthy diet.
This revelation hit me when I attended a networking event last week. I left feeling rejuvenated, refreshed, and most importantly, ALIVE.
Was it the champagne? The music? The fashion? Those all undoubtedly contributed to the giddy feelings and buzzy energy of the evening, yes. But the cake topper was…drum roll…THE PEOPLE.
Interactions with real live people in real time, away from screens and zoom and husbands, kids and household chores. Fun conversations and laughs with fellow humans? I want more.
The importance of human connection is so simple, yet so overlooked (especially in the wellness world, I feel).
It was a keen reminder that we mustn’t forget the fabulousness that comes from putting ourselves out there and really relishing in the present moment we are in instead of dwelling on the past or obsessing over the future — usually on our phones.
Speaking of phones…
Another self-growth (and tired contributor) moment was acknowledging I’ve been living in my head and phone way too much lately (writers unite), which always results in overthinking and overanalyzing the dumbest things — draining my mental energy and creativity, and making it impossible to be *100 percent me* for the important people in my life.
Like Goop’s healers and shakers say, “A wondering mind is an unhappy mind.”
If our phones are the ones draining us, then, how can we not be so dependent on those rectangular devils?
I think the answer lies in setting expectations — for ourselves and everyone who reaches us on our devices.
Rea Frey and Joe Tower talk about our ridiculous dependence on technology (and the consequences that lie within) via their podcast often, and it’s always an eye-opener. Highly recommend.
Takeaway
I guess the moral of the story is twofold: (1) To never underestimate the power of a good old-fashioned hangout. (2) To be on your phone less.
Your happiness, and your energy levels, depend on it.
Thank you for reading! See you next week.
Be you. A less-consumed-by-your-phone you.
Xo, Ashley
