The team at Green Light Wireless takes the role of maintaining your connection to the Internet very seriously. The necessity of reliable broadband has recently become even more apparent with people around the globe doing their jobs, accessing schooling, and connecting with loved ones online. However, the pressure of constant connection can be overwhelming, and we encourage you to make time to disconnect, unplug, and relax.
Step away from your screens, calm your mind, and focus on your wellbeing.
Get Moving
One of the most commonly recommended forms of exercise at the moment is simply getting outside in the fresh air and sunshine and taking a walk. If you are able to maintain social distancing, it’s also a great way to spend some time with friends and family in person. Luckily, Pittsburghers have access to a wealth of walking trails. So pack a snack, grab your mask, and enjoy the warm weather while it lasts!
If you’re more into sidewalks than trails, choose a small business that’s currently open and use your walk as an opportunity to support the owners of local shops and restaurants if you’re able. It’s a great way to help out your neighbors while also treating yourself to a little something special. To stay up-to-date on which businesses are open, check out the Open for Business Map of Pittsburgh created by Allegheny Together.
Focus On The Here and Now
As important as it is to take care of your body and maintain your physical health, it’s just as essential to prioritize your mental health.
Create A Device-free Space
If you find it particularly difficult to separate yourself from your screens and the Internet follows you to every corner of your home, try consciously creating a device-free space where tech is simply not welcome. It could be a dedicated room, a particularly cozy corner, or simply the conceptual space of an hour or so each day. If you choose a physical location for your device-free zone, we have a few tips for how to personalize it.
First and foremost, make it comfy with what you already have around your house. Maybe your couch is the place that you feel most comfortable, or perhaps you prefer a yoga mat surrounded by some throw pillows. It’s totally up to you.
Of course, you’re also going to need something to do that will keep you from wondering what’s going on online. This low-tech distraction could be a shelf of your favorite and soon-to-be favorite books, a collection of CDs or records, or simply a few tabletop games that you could play solo or as a group with your housemates.
And it certainly doesn’t hurt to jazz up your space with a little bit of ambiance. People often find that a little bit of greenery can transform a room. If you don’t have a green thumb, wall art can have the same effect. But there are certainly no rules, so just around with what you’ve got and really make it your own.
Schedule Device-free Time
If you choose to designate time to disconnect, establish a few ground rules for yourself.
Pick a time to unplug and stick to it. Setting an alarm can help with this. And when that alarm goes off, gather up your devices. Take your phone, laptop, tablet, smartwatch, tv remotes, etc, and put them in a drawer or closet where they can remain out of sight and out of mind. Then simply relax. We know it’s likely easier said than done, but if you’re in need of some inspiration, we have a few ideas.
- Take a nice long bath or shower, just because. Maybe light a few candles and turn on your favorite tunes. We recommend Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline.
- Prepare one of your favorite meals for yourself, or with your family members. Did someone say pierogies?
- Embark on a sourdough or banana bread-making journey. Everyone else is doing it, right?
Whatever you choose to do, enjoy it. And when you’re feeling refreshed and ready to log back on, we’ll be here for you like we’ve always been. We’ll keep you connected to what’s important.