As the fall break approaches, this time of year offers the opportunity to unwind, reflect, and reconnect with loved ones. Whether you’re planning a family gathering, a quiet getaway, or simply taking a well-deserved breather, NDC has put together a list of suggestions to help you mindfully unwind. Sometimes we need to take a step beyond the usual idea of unplugging, like not answering your email for a day or taking a few days off work. The concept of “mindful unplugging” is taking time to slow down, look inward, and work on building your internal strength. We also encourage you to find new strategies that work for you.
Ways to Mindfully Unplug
Purge Your Email Account
Take a Break from Social Media
There are many great benefits to having news, opinions, and information available to you 24/7. But that barrage of information can often overwhelm or stress you out and impact your mood and sense of peace more than you know. Turn off your notifications or remove/hide your social media apps for a few days to give your mind a much-needed break.
Move Your Body
Do what works for you – take a walk, play pickleball, dance around the house with your pets, or stretch after sitting for long periods of time. Keeping your body active will actually help you relax while also being mindful of your health and mood.
Tackle a Fun Project
Draw, paint, craft, sculpt, write, cook, garden, or any activity that gives your mind the freedom to be creative and think in different ways.
Do Nothing for Two Minutes
Set Aside Time for Internal Growth
Look at your strengths and maybe where you want to improve. Use a resource like NDC’s e-learning course on attitudes and biases to grow as a person.
Give Gratitude to Others
Take the time to show appreciation for the people who work in your disability services office, service providers who have supported you, friends and family members who have helped you, and other advocates in your community.
Embrace the Joy of Togetherness
Beyond just getting some much-needed quiet time, unplugging in intentional ways like those listed above can really benefit your everyday life. Making yourself more present through mindful unplugging can boost your creativity and focus, help you de-stress and calm anxieties, improve your gratitude for yourself and others, strengthen communication and your relationships, and boost your confidence.
The fall break is about more than just unplugging; it’s a time for connecting. Are you mindfully including the deaf people in your life in the fall break activities you have planned? Check out our Deaf Awareness resources to learn about how to effectively communicate and ensure equitable opportunities for togetherness. Consider incorporating crafting sessions and cooking into your gatherings to create lasting memories and share the spirit of the season. As you gather during the fall break, take a moment to set intentions for the upcoming months.
Wishing you a fall break filled with creativity, joy, and gratitude!
NDC will be closed on Thursday, November 23rd and Friday, November 24th.
We will reopen on Monday, November 27th.
