Unplug

27/10/2024

27/10/2024

Have you ever tried to REST, only to find yourself overwhelmed with feeling stressed and having negative thoughts? Turns out a lot of us experience this.

3 years ago, I don’t know how to REST at all. I had to learn that I am the best healer of my own burnout and exhaustion and I can deliberately find a way to deep rest. The path looked simple to walk, but was hard to enter. It took a couple of attempts for my body to also get familiar with the idea of resting.

When was the last time you took a whole day off to simply unplug, rest and recharge? I'd like to know...

Years ago when I was conceptualizing unplug, which is a transformative program designed to help professionals learn how to unplug and rest as they navigate the workplace, I learned that he more work there is in your life, the more time you should make for rest.
It may sound like a paradox, but you need to maintain the BLEND between those two elements and that's what we aim to do with unplug. You can check us out here 👇
https://toxicworkspaces.com/unplug/

How do you spend you LEAVE DAYS?

Most professionals I get to interact with share that during those days, they get to travel to see the progress of their projects, visit relatives, or they share how they don't have to wake up early and sit in a meeting for hours. If you think deeply about how you spend your leave or off days, it is easy to let the lines blur. For years, you'll fail to notice that you are never resting.

Without thinking too hard, what can you name that could possibly give you an even deeper sense of relaxation?

When I recommend professionals to take time to unplug and rest, I mention that adulthood is a stage of life in which the to-do list is never going to end you'll never have enough TIME TO REST but if they want to experience rest, they have to decide how they spend their time.

Now that you are here, allow me to ask, what type of rest do you need most now? You can identify which deficit you have here
👇
https://toxicworkspaces.com/rest/ and then get in touch with me. Together, we'll come up with a customized plan on how you can BLEND work and life which will require you to take a day or more to UNPLUG and REST.

I wish you all an amazing Sunday

24/05/2024

If you notice your mood lifting when you think of water, whether sunbathing by a lake or ocean, swimming in a local pool or watering hole, boating on a river, or sipping ice-cold lemonade as beads of condensation drip down the glass— that’s no coincidence. Being in and around water has proven benefits for well-being.

Are you aware that water satisfies all five senses? I think that makes it really special.

The smell of ocean air essentially tells our system to relax, as minerals like salt, magnesium, and potassium in sea air calm the physical body.

The act of simply looking at water is soothing too.

Research has proven that listening to water sounds — raindrops, rolling waves, running creeks — has also been shown to reduce stress hormones and ease anxiety.

Shi Kang'ethe is a blue mind and that's how she introduced Unplug as a program by toxicworkspaces.com which is designed to help professionals unplug and rest.

We hope you get to one day experience the calming effects of water with us at Toxic Work Spaces For now, enjoy the photo below Shi captured during a stay at Silver Palm Spa And Resort-Kilifi and have a wonderful and restful weekend.

27/03/2024

Digital overload is a real concern, leading to decreased productivity, increased stress, and burnout. Constant exposure to screens can disrupt concentration, hinder creativity, and negatively affect mental and physical health. To address these issues, we are now exploring the benefits of digital detoxing or unplug as a solution to boost workplace productivity and employee well-being.

Implementing unplug strategies in and out of the workplace requires thoughtful planning and ex*****on. We will be creating tailored resources to create and maintain a holistic wellness life and provide ongoing support to ensure the program's success.

If you're ready to lean more about what to expect from unplug by Toxic Work Spaces visit our website to learn more 👇

Unplug A tech-free experience designed to help professionals unplug At Toxic Work Spaces, we understand the toll that toxic work spaces can take on individuals and leaders alike. That’s why we’ve curated a unique, tech-free experience aimed at helping you unplug, unwind, and re-imagine work-life...

20/03/2024

Someone on Twitter confessed that they miss the days when a doctor would prescribe that you go sit by the sea and drink warm broth to cure your agonies.

When I was navigating a toxic work space, taking time to unplug and also taking blue mind therapy sessions helped me a whole lot. Years later, being by the ocean continues to center and heal me. I am passionate about helping professionals navigate the workplace and often I recommend that they take time to unplug and rest or try immersing themselves in blue minds for their whole person well-being. It's said that proximity to the ocean can have a positive impact on your health: the closer you are to the sea, the better you feel.

Did you know that being near to the ocean is relaxing? Have you experienced it? If not, would you like to?

Researchers have found that the sound of waves alters brain patterns, which lulls you into a deeply relaxed state and rejuvenates body and mind.

Also, the seaside encourages physical activity, even if it's simply a walk on the beach or like in my case, I love photography.

Being near to the ocean greatly affects mental wellbeing. As you sit on the beach listening to the roar of the waves, feeling the ocean breeze blow through your hair and enjoy the warmth of the sun on your skin, you feel wonderful. This seaside buzz is known as "thalassotherapy", a term coined by Hippocrates.

The rhythmic sound of the waves pounding the shore enables a meditative state. The benefits of meditation are far reaching: stress reduction, deep relaxation, increased happiness, improved peace of mind, spontaneity and heightened creativity.

So if you are ready to unplug your devices in order to enhance your immune system, increase alertness and improve your concentration. And, oh sleep well, try blue mind or thalassotherapy.

It's good for you!

Have a lovely afternoon.

20/03/2024

Maybe you can’t afford to miss a call from a potential employer; maybe your work IS being on social media. The point I’m making is we now live in a culture where time away from a screen is considered a luxury (and for elites, according to the New York Times), which leads me to this terrifying thought: our attention is for sale. And we’re consuming things with few limitations and boundaries that place our self-interest top of mind.

What's shocking is that even when we’re so aware of our distractions, even when I’m writing about said distractions, we find ourselves struggling to wrap our head around how unmanageable they have become. And they designed it that way.

Unplug is designed to help busy professionals take time away from it all, especially work and get them to experience life in a more rested setting. But over the last couple of months it's becoming harder to unplug. To learn more about unplug by Toxic Work Spaces visit 👇

https://toxicworkspaces.com/unplug/

17/03/2024

In our latest blog post, get to read about what Nora Nyongesa, a counselling psychologist and lead expert at Toxic Work Spaces Nora thinks about the compelling correlation between how we are perceived in the workplace and the resolution of conflicts or the the formation of worldviews.

Read more on Nora's view on how and why others perceive us at work isn't based on our true selves, but rather on their own worldview and triggers. She sheds light on the commonality of triggers, where people expect us to conform to certain ideals that may not align with who we truly are.

https://toxicworkspaces.com/2024/03/10/why-how-were-viewed-at-work-matters/

08/01/2024

This is such a great way to start the week!

We have reached 1.5K followers and we'd like to thank you for your continued support. We could not have done it without each of you.

We have so much lined up for professionals who'd like to learn how to rest and unplug better in 2024.

Once again, thank you and wishing you all a great week ahead.

05/11/2023

We Should Learn From Professionals Who Unplug.

All of the successful leaders Shi Kang'ethe has met over the years have worked hard to realize their ambitions, and also to ensure they take time off to rest and recharge.

For years, there has been the attitude – of which remnants remain – that taking time off equates to being lazy, demotivated, and indifferent to one’s goals and objectives. Nothing could be further from the truth.

In making sure we take quality time away from our work – however passionate we are about it – we allow our batteries to recharge, new ideas to blossom, fresh perspectives to emerge, and our emotional well-being to increase. In making time for ourselves, we return to business and work more creative and with an increase in our productivity.

We know that at our next “Unplug Retreat,” we'll be thinking about how thankful we are for our family and friends, and our colleagues and connections who have allowed us to enjoy such a wonderful journey thus far, both professionally and personally. Behind each one of us is a great community of people who help us to thrive – they are surely one of our greatest blessings.

Whatever you’re up to in the coming weeks and months, I hope that you will be able to find time for yourself and loved ones, to rest and reflect, and return to business reinvigorated, re-energized, and raring to go with an abundance of new ideas, creativity, and innovations.

20/10/2023

Join Our Coffee and Chat Hangouts - Your Unplug Hangout, Closer to Home!

We get it - not everyone can take time off to travel for our Unplug Retreats. That's why we introduced our Coffee and Chat Hangouts, tailor-made for busy professionals like you who need a slice of that Unplug magic right where you are!

Here's why you should join our day's Coffee and Chat Unplug Hangouts:

Convenience, Your Way: Can't commit to a full weekend getaway? No worries! Our Coffee and Chat sessions are designed to fit into your daily schedule. A refreshing pause right in the midst of your workday. ⏸️

Connect and Recharge: Our Hangouts offer a virtual haven where you can connect with like-minded professionals. Share your experiences, challenges, and tips on finding balance in a demanding world. 📲

Expert Guidance: You'll have access to our expert coaches and consultants who can help you learn the art of unplugging right in the midst of your bustling life. They'll provide insights, strategies, and support. 🧘‍♂️🧘‍♀️

Community Support: The Unplug community is here to support you, no matter where you are. Our Hangouts create a space for valuable interactions, meaningful conversations, and building lasting connections. 🤝

Daily Renewal: It's a small daily act of self-care, ensuring that you consistently prioritize your well-being and recharge your batteries. A coffee break that transforms your day! ☕

Ready to experience the power of unplugging, even during your hectic workday? Join our Coffee and Chat Hangouts, and take the first step towards a more balanced, fulfilling life.

To learn more, visit Toxic Work Spaces

18/10/2023

We'll call this Wanderlust Wednesday: Unplug in Paradise with us!

Picture this: A weekend getaway to a serene destination where you can truly unplug from work and rejuvenate your soul with fellow professionals.

Welcome to one of our stunning Unplug destinations – a gem in Kilifi, where professionals in our community come together to unplug, recharge, and create lasting memories.

Here's why every professional in our Pro Community needs to experience this:

👉 Escape the Grind: It's a chance to step away from the daily grind, leave your to-do lists behind, and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Your mind and body will thank you.

👉 Connect with Like-Minded Individuals: These Unplug getaways bring together a diverse group of professionals who share your passion for balance and well-being. You'll forge new connections and lasting friendships.

👉 Learn the Art of Unplugging: Our retreats offer a unique opportunity to learn the art of unplugging in a supportive and nurturing environment. You'll leave with practical strategies to implement in your daily life.

👉 Recharge Your Creativity: Disconnecting from the workplace allows your creativity to flourish. You might be surprised by the innovative ideas that spring to mind during these moments of respite.

👉 Prioritize Self-Care: We believe that self-care is a non-negotiable. By treating yourself to an Unplug weekend, you're sending a powerful message that your well-being matters.

Are you ready to experience the magic of our Unplug destinations? It's a chance to hit the reset button, make cherished memories, and take a step towards a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Visit Toxic Work Spaces to learn more about our pro community.