Holiday Wellness: 5 Ways to Unplug & Bring Back the Magic

Have you heard the phrase “offline is the new luxury”? Or “digital minimalism”? I’ve been off Instagram for about two years now, Facebook even earlier, TikTok – never even started.

My publisher thinks staying quiet on social media isn’t great for my upcoming book (and they make a good point.) But I’ve never had more peace or attention power in my life, at least since the smartphone era began. Honestly, that might be how I ended up writing my first book this year. I freed up my attention.

And now this whole “presence over platforms” thing seems to be gaining momentum with Gen Z, too. Speaking of which, the hero photo is from this year's Ocean Beach Holiday Parade in San Diego, themed "Galactic Holiday Beach Bash bringing an "out-of-this-world" cosmic celebration to the beach town. 

Which made me think: if going offline is the new luxury and a way to reclaim our attention… then attention is the new gold in a world built to mine it.

Brain science confirms it: where attention goes, energy flows.

Even the latest AI models run on “attention”, which is literally built into the architecture. Our tech reflects what we already know: attention shapes everything, from our brains to our bots. 

So here's my question to you:

This holiday season, what would it look like to offer yourself the gift of attention?

While going completely offline for a week might be a stretch, here are a few simple ways to unplug and reclaim presence and energy during the holiday merry-go-round.

5 Ways to Give Yourself the Gift of New Luxury This Season

1) Become a forester for a day: nature walks, forest bathing (or any time outdoors)

Nature is the best teacher I know for resetting attention. Our guest writer and forest therapy guide, Robert Sarnoski, shares tips for getting into the forest state of mind. 

What kind of forester are you: Standing, Sitting, or Lying Down?

Standing

2) Have an at-home wellness retreat 

With a meditation app of your choice: I did Waking Up's first in-app retreat a few years ago, and it was a surprisingly wonderful and immersive half-day practice with guided sitting, walking, and mirror-based meditations, along with talks by Sam Harris and other guides. You can now complete the retreat at your convenience with a 14-day free trial of the meditation app.

With a meditation center: Meditation centers like Spirit Rock also offer live virtual retreats over the holidays, but those cost more.

With just yourself: I once did a week-long silent retreat at home during the New Year's holidays, which cost me nothing (even saved on electricity).

With someone special: Last December, we had a wonderful couples retreat with my partner, Jeremy. We simply planned two days of staycation, combining our favorite activities such as yoga, meditation, surfing, journaling, and beach walking, leading up to New Year's Eve to re-center and set our goals for the year. And you know what? This year has been one of the best years of my life.

3) Try the “radical slowing down” experiment

This is fun, and you can try it while doing your usual activities. Whatever you do, aim to do it a little slower. If you walk, deliberately slow down your pace. When you speak, speak more slowly. If you eat or drink, take it as slow as possible and observe what happens with your senses of taste, hearing, and touch. Your mind and your thoughts will follow the body's lead to slow down.

4) Presence over presents

I’m leaning toward asking my family for no gifts this Christmas and simply spending time together. The thought of skipping the crowded malls brings me instant ease. But if shopping is soothing and enjoyable for you, have fun with it!

5) Find one local event that celebrates presence IRL

Here in San Diego, Scripps' Birch Aquarium just opened Meditation Ocean, a meditation space inspired by the underwater world. You can expect ambient reef sounds, a walkthrough a portal into the underwater research station, and an immersive video experience of eight meditating scuba divers rising from the seabed and floating in stillness with the wildlife.

Meditation Ocean is included in general admission ($39 for adults, EBT card holders can visit for $3 per person)

If you find something cool near you, please tell us, we love hearing and featuring these.

A gift for you: a tranquil holiday soundscape

I recorded a one-hour soundscape of ocean and wind chimes in Troncones, Mexico. This is my special place that instantly transports me to a peaceful, magical, timeless space. I wanted to share it with you! I left my phone on the beach near the chimes while I was surfing, and the sound captured the magic of wind and sea. It’s perfect for unwinding, reading, slowing down, or visualizing your best New Year ahead! Enjoy.

In Conclusion

A quote I am resonating with (and my mantra for the holidays): "This is my only vehicle for a hundred years. I want to honor it, my body." - Professor Jeni

Take good care of your attention, your body, your energy, and it will take good care of you.

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