March Self-Care Reflection: Going Offline to Recharge Out West

Death Valley, 2024

March has been a whirlwind, and as I look ahead to the end of the month, I’m preparing for something I know I truly need—a break. After dealing with the stress of an email hacking incident and a car accident, I’ve decided to take some intentional offline time as I head west for my yearly visit. It’s a space that has always offered me peace, clarity, and the opportunity to reset. In my twenties, I loved going to California and Las Vegas for work and to see friends, and I have come back around to that in my late thirties and early forties.

Going offline at the end of March into early April is the perfect way to start the next chapter. It’s a chance to disconnect from the wintertime hum of digital life and reconnect with myself, nature, and my partner. This time, my dad is even coming! I’ve done some careful planning to make this happen, and it’s taught me a lot about how to prepare for a much-needed offline break.

Preparing to Go Offline

Just like with my January and February self-care reflections, where I focused on balance and boundaries, this offline retreat is about creating intentional space to breathe. Here’s

how I’ve prepared for it:

1. Planning Ahead: About a month ago, I started letting key partners and contacts know that I would be offline for a bit. Giving people a heads-up has been essential in managing expectations and reducing pressure on myself.

   
   

2. Setting Boundaries: I made it clear how and when I could be reached if something truly urgent comes up. Establishing those boundaries beforehand helps me feel more at ease going offline.

   
   

3. Reconnecting with Purpose: Instead of mindless scrolling or constant notifications, I’ve been focusing on writing to pen pals, catching up with friends through calls, and sending thoughtful emails. It’s incredible how grounding it feels to connect rather than react to endless pings.

   
   

4. Automating and Delegating: I’ve set up autoresponders and scheduled social media posts to let people know I am offline so I can be present while I’m away. Having these in place reduces my anxiety about going offline for a while.

   
   

Why Going Offline Matters

Taking this break isn’t about leaving my responsibilities behind—it’s about choosing to recharge so I can come back more grounded and refreshed. I know that being constantly “on” isn’t sustainable, and after everything that’s happened this month, it’s the right move for my mental and emotional health at the right time.

Moving Forward

When I return, I plan to hold onto the sense of calm that comes from stepping away. This offline time is a gift I’m giving myself, and I know it will make me more present and focused when I’m back.

Have you ever taken intentional offline time to recharge? How did it impact you? Let’s talk about how we can all make space for ourselves in a world that never seems to pause.