Thankful for some peace

Do you ever feel completely overwhelmed with constantly updating and checking social media? I do. In fact, I think I’ve mentioned before that one of the first things I do in the morning is check Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Google Reader, and my e-mail. It’s incredibly overwhelming, but I feel like if I don’t start early, I’ll get behind. How can you not get overwhelmed when you have to stare at flashcards and a textbook AND manically refresh Facebook and Twitter?

I’m starting to realize that I need this time in the morning to relax without all the noise of social media. There’s no reason for me to wake up completely compelled to update and check everything simply for the sake of feeling left behind. People have been functioning for years and years without all these distractions, and they seem to have fared just fine.

This has become super crucial for me, especially now. Finals are looming (I’m actually in the midst of them now) and I need to dedicate all my efforts to these. Don’t get me wrong. I love blogging, social media, and all the time I spend wisely (and not so wisely) on my laptop. In typical Megan fashion, I’ve opted to take two of my finals early. No reason in particular, except wanting to get them out of the way.

This sounded like a good idea, until I realized that I actually needed to start fully studying a couple days earlier. Totally doable, if I stay focused. I have less than a week left of this semester now, so the end is in sight.

Not only is this whole “unplugging/peacefulness” thing important for students during finals, but it’s important for all of us during the holidays. Think back to the last time you completely immersed yourself in the holiday and focused only on the moment with your family. You weren’t uploading a pictures of your meal or gift to Instagram, updating your Facebook , or tweeting to friends who aren’t with you. That time was a while ago for me.

I completely understand that times have changed and we’re adapting to be a technologically-driven society. I get that, and I fully support it. I do worry that some day, no one is going to know how to interact with each other without their phone in their hands. We can’t entertain ourselves without iPads, iTouches, iPods, iPhones (and whatever new thing Apple is going to unveil). That’s why I love going home to Chicago for Christmas. It’s a family tradition to play cards at the end of the evening. It is SO much fun. Everyone’s living in the moment, laughing, and my grandma gets mad whenever someone tries to bend the rules. I can’t blame her; the stakes are high. The winner of each round wins a couple quarters.

I urge you to unplug for a little when you’re overwhelmed, or at least NOT check social media every chance you get. If you’re anything like me, you’ll save a crap ton of battery life on your phone for doing so. So yes, today, I’m thankful for the peace studying and the realization of how close family time is have brought me.  Of course, thankful for Jessie for hosting another great linkup!