Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes...including you.

Anxiety is a term that is constantly thrown around but never fully explained. It's not a conversation piece because many feel as though they won't be taken seriously or they just don't want to divulge that private part of their life. Feeling anxious is something that I have always experienced, but I never explored it deeper nor investigated its causes. Things changed suddenly however once I began my sabbatical.

It hit me like a ton of bricks, making it hard to breathe while also making my head spin. Self doubt and self loathing decided to join the party which intensified it and made me spiral faster. I didn't know where the hell these feelings were coming from until I looked at my phone. Being glued to it and Social Media had begun to eat at my psyche. Was there a cyber bully on the other end telling me I wasn't shit and my life was over? Absolutely not!!! I put those thoughts in my own head by comparing myself to others. This was new for me, because I never would care what others were doing. However being in a vulnerable space left all opportunities of negativity to creep on in.

This is what happens when you don't unplug yourself from the virtual world. You stay warped in a space that's not healthy in heavy doses. I love the positive impact that Social Media gives, but too much of anything is bad. With my newfound free time I had begun to dive into the lives of friends and celebrities and made mental notes of what I wasn't doing. I was still cheering and double tapping their accolades, but with that same breath, I would lecture and scorn myself for not having my own shit together. Finally in November I made a decision to give it up.

This innocent usage of a platform designed to bring people together ultimately detached me from myself. I had forgotten about all the good I have done, because I felt like it wasn't posted enough or it didn't get enough likes. I realized how lonely Anxiety actually is. How it doesn't show up on the outside so dramatically like Depression, but still hurts the same. It can easily be brushed off as "being in one's feelings", or generally overthinking. It is real regardless. Staying up all night with a racing mind and fast beating heart can drive a sane person over the edge. Overthinking things that are more or less negative rather than positive stresses the body entirely.

While there are prescriptions and therapy to assist with the symptoms I,not having insurance, decided that what was best for me was to just Unplug altogether. I didn't want to subject myself to anything until I felt mentally healthy. I deleted Facebook, Instagram, and Snap Chat completely from my phone. If I don't hear from people the good old fashioned way, I will just miss out on things. I also limited my interaction with Toxic people and the News. All the triggers had to go! In doing this, I have created a space of peace filled with positive people and things that make me feel good.

Take time soon to see what areas of your life you may need a break from and Unplug. Everyone and everything needs a recharge or reboot at some point in time.