This is the last in our series about patio furniture.  This week will be about patios and unplugging from work.

Now that we have some comfy patio furniture and have created a better space, I’ve more or less made it a habit to spend a decent amount on my back patio every night.  Sometimes, I sit back there and hang out with my family.  We talk and catch up on the day together.  Sometimes,  I sit out there and read a book.  Sometimes, I sit out there and just zone out, checking out the flowers, birds, and bunnies hopping along throughout the neighborhood.  After a long day of handling work and family commitments, it’s nice to take a few moments to unplug and recenter.

What does this have to do with anything?  Often when we talk about unplugging from work, we talk about unplugging over the weekend or during a long vacation.  This implies that throughout the week we remain plugged into work.  I know I’ve fallen into this cycle of feeling tethered to work all throughout the week and the pressure of always feeling on.  Have you?  I know that when I go through periods where I stay plugged into work around the clock I begin to burnout, which has a negative impact on all aspects of my life.

While it might not be as long as a weekend or as big of an adventure as vacation, I’ve found that my daily time hanging out on my patio has been incredibly valuable.  Not only is it nice to unplug in the moment to enjoy time with family or appreciate the beauty around me, but it also has positive effects that last beyond that time on the patio.  When I disconnect on a regular basis, even if it’s just for a few minutes, I feel more centered and capable of taking on what life throws my way.  These little moments of unplugging are incredibly powerful, and I think we can all find moments like these in our daily life whether it’s chilling on a patio or engaging in another activity that makes you feel whole.

The challenge: How can you unplug and recenter on a more regular basis?

Have a jolly good day,

Andrew Embry