Disconnected to Reconnect: How Taking Time Away Can Recharge Your Life

Have you ever felt like the constant buzz of notifications and endless to-do lists were running your life? As healthcare professionals, being “on” all the time is second nature—answering calls, managing crises, and juggling patient care. It’s exhausting.

I felt it too. That’s why I decided to fully disconnect for two nights at a rural cabin. No Wi-Fi, no emails, no distractions. Instead, I focused on simple joys—playing games, reading, skiing, and relaxing on the couch.

It was exactly what I needed.


Why Disconnecting Matters

For healthcare workers (or an entrepreneur like myself), being “on” 24/7 can feel unavoidable. Even on days off, the mental load doesn’t go away. Constant connection—to work, family, and even social media—can drain your energy, leaving little room for you.

When you disconnect, you allow your mind and body to rest. It’s in the quiet that you can process, reflect, and recalibrate. And stepping away from the noise often reminds you of what really matters: your well-being and sense of purpose.


What I Gained From Two Days Away

At the cabin, I gave myself permission to simply be. Without the constant pull of notifications or emails, I reconnected with myself—and with Scott (and Max, I guess– lol).

It felt strange at first, like I should be “doing” something productive. But the longer I stayed disconnected, the more I noticed how much lighter I felt. My thoughts became clearer, and my energy lifted.

When I came back, I felt refreshed and ready to take on life and work with a renewed sense of clarity.


How You Can Disconnect—Even If It’s Just for a Day

You don’t need a rural cabin to experience the benefits of unplugging. Here are a few simple ways to create your own moment of disconnection:

  • Plan a No-Tech Day: Turn off your devices, set your phone to “Do Not Disturb,” and let people know you’re unavailable.
  • Spend Time Outdoors: Go for a XC ski, take a walk, or enjoy a park—leave your phone behind or in airplane mode.
  • Create a Mini Retreat: Dedicate a few hours or a day to reading, meditating, or relaxing at home.
  • Set Boundaries for Work: Avoid checking emails or work messages on your days off.

Your Next Step

What’s one way you could unplug this week? Maybe it’s leaving your phone in another room, taking a walk after a shift, or planning a short getaway.

Disconnecting is just one way to embrace the slower pace of winter. For some, it might mean finding more rest, and for others, it could be about discovering small joys in the season’s quiet moments.

If you’re ready to explore what “wintering well” could look like for you, join me for my Wintering Well Workshop on January 28. Together, we’ll discover personalized ways to embrace the season, recharge, and make the most of winter’s quiet moments—whether that’s disconnecting, slowing down, or something else entirely.

This winter can be a season of renewal. Let’s find what works best for you.


Reminder: as part of the benefits offered at Logan Health, employees get free coaching sessions. You can book a coaching session here

Or, if you are not a Logan Health Employee, you can book a consultation to learn how to work with me here.

P.P.S. Liked what you read? Join my email list, where I dive deeper into these concepts and teach you HOW to put them into practice in your everyday life. And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram (@christineseager_) or Facebook (@seager.christine), where I share both teaching moments and real-life examples of this work in action. 

distraction

Are you someone who is easily distracted? If so, this one is for you. 

Being easily distracted can lead to frustration, feeling overwhelmed, anxiousness, or stress. 

If you even catch yourself being distracted in the first place, you might think: 

“What is wrong with me? Why can’t I stay focused?”

“I can’t ever get anything done.” 

“Why can’t I focus on just one thing like everyone else?” 

Or 

“It takes me forever & I’ll never catch up when I can’t get things completed.” 

You know staying focused will help you be more productive, save time, and achieve your goals, but how can you do that? 

Well, a few ways. 

First, mindset: 

“I can learn how to do this.” 

“I am in control of my attention.” 

“I can try a few different things until I find something that works.”

Or

“I am improving my productivity.” 

The strategy: 

  1. Notice what you’re doing that has you distracted. I.E., is your phone in your hand when you’re supposed to be getting ready for work? Or you’re talking to your family when you should have been out the door already? See if you can determine your thoughts just before you picked up your phone. 
  2. Repeat in your head what you are doing, what task you are completing. I.E., I’m getting dressed. Or I’m gathering my lunch. Or, I’m writing an article. One part of your brain can focus on the task & the other part is reminding your brain of what you’re focusing on. 
  3. You can set a timer. A metronome may help, too– the ticking sound can be a constant reminder to stay on task until the task is complete. 

It’s helpful to realize that being easily distracted is not a problem; it’s something you can figure out how to work with so you can stay better focused & achieve your goals. 

journaling

I am a huge proponent of journaling. 

It allows you to dive into the depths of your thoughts & emotions. Putting pen to paper creates a space for self-reflection and introspection. In doing so, you gain a better understanding of your own desires, values, & beliefs. This self-awareness enables personal growth & empowers you to make more informed decisions.

Getting your thoughts & feelings out on paper can be an excellent way to release stress & manage emotions. When you unload your mind onto paper, you create a sense of clarity & relief. Journaling provides a safe & non-judgmental outlet for expressing worries, frustrations, or anxieties. By venting on the page, your mind becomes calmer & more focused, improving overall well-being.

Keeping a journal can be an effective tool for setting & tracking your goals. Writing down your aspirations makes them more tangible & attainable. Additionally, regularly recording your progress & achievements creates a sense of accountability & motivation. By tracking your journey in a journal, you can celebrate milestones, learn from setbacks, and stay committed to your goals.

Journaling encourages active problem-solving & decision-making. Putting pen to paper can help organize your thoughts & explore potential solutions when faced with challenges or dilemmas. By writing out different perspectives and weighing the pros & cons, you gain clarity & can make more rational decisions. Journaling serves as a personal sounding board, allowing you to evaluate options & develop effective strategies to overcome obstacles.

Our memories are precious, and journaling is an excellent way to preserve them. You create a vivid record of your life’s journey by jotting down experiences, events, gratitudes, and reflections. Years later, you can revisit these pages & relive those moments, savoring the emotions & insights captured within. Journaling can become a cherished keepsake, a window into your past that can bring joy, nostalgia, & a renewed appreciation for life.

So, carve out time to reflect & record your thoughts. Your future self will thank you.

P.S. Click here to take the first step & book your complimentary, no-obligation consultation.

P.P.S. As a reminder, for LHW employees, coaching is free! Click here to book your in-person coaching session or here for a remote coaching session.

imperfections

What are some practical ways you’ve learned to embrace your imperfections?

For me, it’s important to remember that we are all human beings simply doing our best (aka. humaning).

I work on giving as much grace to myself as I do to others.

Just like I give people the benefit of the doubt and try to understand their perspective, I do the same for myself by taking a moment to reflect on why I made certain choices or acted in a certain way.

Remember, understanding doesn’t necessarily mean agreement, but it does help with self-awareness and acceptance.

Another approach to embracing imperfections is to list the three (ONLY 3) things you don’t love most about yourself and explore how each has served you.

Once you understand their value, you can decide whether to keep those aspects or commit to making changes.

If you choose to pursue change, start by defining what you want, and recognize that it’s possible with the right thoughts, feelings, and actions.

Create a well-thought-out plan and diligently implement it, focusing on actions that move you closer to your desired transformation while avoiding those that don’t.

Be prepared to mitigate negative thoughts and feelings that may arise, and be open to feeling uncomfortable along the way.

Take the time to acknowledge your progress, celebrate your achievements, and regularly evaluate your journey.

Remember, embracing imperfections is an ongoing process, so be patient with yourself and repeat these steps as needed.

If you would like support in facing your imperfections, working with a nonjudgmental coach who can provide a safe space for you is truly valuable. At Christine Seager Coaching, I specialize in this kind of transformative work. If you’re interested in receiving support, book a complimentary, no-obligation consultation right here.

As a reminder, Logan Health Whitefish Employees can book a free in person coaching session here, or a remote coaching session here, as part of your benefits package.

one goal

Establish one specific, measurable, and timely goal.

Notice I don’t say achievable because I want you to go big.

Having a goal you think is impossible is okay if you don’t beat yourself up on your way to achieving it.

And if you go bigger than you think is possible, you’re less likely to hold yourself back and more likely to achieve more.

Focus on that one goal.

What are the actions you need to take? Again, be very specific. Write all the steps and as many micro-steps as possible, then make them chronological.

Now you have a clear starting point, and you can get going.

As you begin to act, your brain will offer negative thoughts and feelings.

The next step is to allow these negative feelings.

How?

Notice that they are there. Determine where in your body. Describe them in detail (color, shape, weight, movement, waveform, etc.). Remind yourself that you have thus not died from feeling a negative emotion.

Then decide how you would rather feel about the action you are taking. Reminder: feelings are one-word vibrations in your body.

What thoughts, when you think them, create that feeling for you?

If this is hard, please know that it’s a practice. And let’s find evidence for how you want to feel.

Think of another time you feel the way you want to.

What thoughts create that feeling for you?

Borrow from there and apply those thoughts here.

Practice those thoughts over and over.

Keep taking action and thinking those thoughts.

Evaluate your results.

Correct course when needed.

Wash, rinse, repeat.

When your first goal becomes a habit, when it’s easy to do, start working on your next goal.

If you feel overwhelmed and want to learn how to practice constraint, I can help. I offer complimentary, no-obligation consultation calls here. LHW Employee IN PERSON Coaching Sessions are here, and remote sessions are here.

lead with your heart

Embrace the power of leading with your heart!

When you trust and follow your heart’s guidance, amazing things unfold.

Here’s why leading with your heart is not just important but also a game-changer:

Authenticity: Leading with your heart allows you to be your true self.

It’s about embracing your values, passions, and desires without compromise.

By staying true to yourself, you attract genuine connections and experiences.

Clarity & Alignment: Your heart knows what truly resonates with you.

By tuning in and listening closely, you gain clarity about your path, goals, and aspirations.

This alignment brings focus, motivation, and a sense of purpose.

Empathy & Connection: Leading with your heart opens the door to understanding and empathy.

You create deeper connections and foster meaningful relationships when you approach others with compassion, kindness, and genuine care.

Intuition & Wise Decisions: Your heart holds an innate wisdom that transcends logic.

By tapping into your intuition, you make decisions that feel profoundly right.

Trusting your instincts leads to well-informed choices and personal growth.

Resilience & Fulfillment: Following your heart often means taking risks and embracing vulnerability.

It builds resilience as you navigate challenges with courage and determination.

Ultimately, living in alignment with your heart’s desires brings deep fulfillment and a sense of wholeness.

So, let’s lead with our hearts, embracing authenticity, clarity, empathy, intuition, and resilience along the way. 

Trust that when you honor the wisdom of your heart, the path ahead becomes brighter and more fulfilling.

If leading with your heart interests you, book a complimentary, no-obligation consultation here.