How do you know when it’s time to unplug? What do you do to make it happen?

How Do You Know When It’s Time to Unplug?

Apparently, it takes a worldwide pandemic.

For years, I thought being busy meant I was productive. If there was a nonprofit board that needed a volunteer, I was there. If there was a leadership position that needed filling, sign me up. If there was a 5K race to direct, organize, promote, and lose sleep over, I was your girl.

My calendar looked like a game of Tetris that had gone horribly wrong.

Then COVID hit.

Everything shut down.

Board meetings? Canceled.

Events? Canceled.

Fundraisers? Canceled.

5Ks? Canceled.

Life? Basically canceled.

And for the first time in years, I sat still long enough to realize something shocking:

I had absolutely no time for myself.

None.

Zero.

Not a spare minute.

I had spent so much time helping everyone else that I had somehow forgotten to schedule myself into my own life.

I was so busy serving on boards that I probably needed a board to manage all my board commitments.

When the world stopped spinning, I discovered my life had become organized chaos. Actually, let’s be honest—it was mostly chaos with a color-coded calendar.

So this past year, I started making changes.

One by one, I rolled off every board position.

I stepped away from committee meetings.

I gave up all the extra commitments.

Well…almost all of them.

I still co-direct one 5K race with my best friend because, let’s face it, some habits die hard.

But that’s it.

One.

Single.

Commitment.

The result?

Freedom.

Glorious freedom.

Now when someone asks me what I’m doing next weekend, I don’t have to pull out a calendar, consult three committees, and negotiate with seven different volunteer organizations.

I can simply say, “Whatever I want.”

Imagine that.

I’m going to travel with my family.

Take spontaneous trips.

Sleep late if I want to.

Read a book.

Go for a run.

Sit on my porch or the pier!

Or do absolutely nothing and feel perfectly fine about it.

I’ve spent a large part of my life giving my time to everyone else. And while I don’t regret it, I’ve finally realized that it’s okay to save some time for myself too.

So if you’re wondering how to know when it’s time to unplug, here’s a simple test:

If the thought of a global shutdown sounds like the only way you’ll get a day off, it might be time.

If your calendar gives you anxiety, it might be time.

If you need a committee meeting to schedule lunch with yourself, it might definitely be time.

As for me?

I’ve officially entered my ME ERA.

Watch out, world.

I’m no longer accepting meetings, committees, subcommittees, planning sessions, emergency calls, or “it’ll only take five minutes.”

I’m busy.

Busy enjoying my life.

And honestly?

It’s about time.