We’ve all heard about the concept of “unplugging” when traveling or going on vacation. We’re supposed to achieve a mental state of nirvana in our quest for UnPluged-Ness.
Time to book that vacation and UNPLUG. The natural conclusion is that being “plugged in” is a big, fat negative. We conjure up images of being enslaved to the plug, the screen, the cord. How awful. So, I’m not able to achieve my best self or true enlightenment without being unplugged? Such a negative thing. Pity.
One day I realized that I’ve seen the term so much that I felt real irritation at it’s overuse. Trendy concepts and words have that way with me. (Don’t even mention the latest diet craze.) I’ve also learned that if I become internally irritated with something it’s usually because I feel guilty about something. Time to do some critical thinking and figure this thing out. It’s not the word or concept that’s irritating, it’s my response to it.
Unplug.
I couldn’t disagree more. I, for one, am going to stay plugged in. I’m going to carry my chargers wherever, whenever I can. I love having a backup pad device back in the car or hotel. I’ll probably panic if I set my phone somewhere and can’t find it for more than 3 minutes. That’s OK, it’s my comfort zone and I’m much more effective and inspired when I stay in it. In fact, my stress goes down. I unwind when I have my devices on call. I wind up when I don’t.
The truth is I’m on my phone constantly when traveling. Being plugged in has opened up more discoveries, more history and more conveniences in new places. Let’s face it: rather than getting lost, dining at a truly bad cafe, or naively blowing by the 10th wonder of the world, you extract the most positive experiences from your time and resources.
You also get to share and go more in depth with your experiences.
Taking on-the-fly photos and videos is easier with a device. Making a quick note to research and bookmark a store or landmark takes a few thumb strokes. (The alternative of locating a pen and paper scrap that was later lost in the shuffle never worked that well for me.) You can connect when inspired. Texting a picture of brilliant wildflowers to your gardener mom or a thank you to a friend’s suggestion for lunch takes a few seconds.
Let’s not forget our life obligations. I hate to say it here, but Work is one. How much easier is it to fire off a quick response to a brewing question and be done with it rather than let it simmer and boil over into the email chain from hell because you’re “unplugged”? Perhaps it’s better to manage your return as well. You have an idea of what issues arise and make a quick call or send an email solution to lighten the load upon return. I find that approach less stressful than walking into the great unknown at vacation’s end.
The key to staying Plugged In on vacation may be a state of “Consciously Connected”
- Use your devices and connection exclusively for enhancing your travel. Tasks like driving or walking directions, venue information, historical facts are all enhancers. Playing games or surfing social media do not elevate your travel. If you’ve got the free time, force yourself to meditate. Word Feud and News feeds are not meditation.
- Use sparingly and with good sense. Some places in the world control this for you. Remote trails, areas of national parks don’t have connections. Perfect, just use your offline camera, notepads, etc.
- If you choose to connect with work, do so for a limited and dedicated time every so often. Predetermined times are best, that way you manage it. Keep perspective and keep it at arm’s length. Not everything will be solved or covered and that’s exactly how it should be. You’re gone.
- Reset your phone for “Vacation” time. Turn off normal ringers, notifiers, alerts, etc. These are distractions and keep you in your “normal” connected life, not vacation.
- Get on the same page as your traveling partner(s). If everyone is mindful of exactly what the goals are, there’s less likelihood that he/she will be on their phone, which is contagious. Make announcements of what you’re doing (getting directions to Primrose Park), that way you won’t be suspicious that each other are wrapped up in something “more important” or feeding their game addiction again.