TumbleDweeeb

   Recognizing when it’s time to unplug starts with understanding that I’m a sponge who absorbs nearly everything, so physical and emotional exhaustion hits differently, when tiredness sets in and brings that heavy, sad feeling that resembles depression but isn’t quite the same thing. It’s more of a feeling of being overwhelmed, a signal that I’ve reached my limit with engagement and social interaction. The clearest sign is becoming increasingly quiet, not because my brain stops working, but because I’ve reached that point of asking myself “do I have to deal with this, right now?” It’s less about dramatic symptoms and more about a gradual withdrawal from the energy it takes to stay constantly connected and responsive to the digital world around me. Not just digital but physical as well.
   When that moment hits, the approach is complete and immediate… I’m out, I leave the party quietly… cold turkey, shutting everything down at once, disappearing from spaces for however long it takes to feel genuinely excited about plugging back in again. During this time, the focus shifts to consuming content like TV series, sitcoms or writing and other hobby work … But only when thoughts flow clearly, while still checking devices occasionally but only to read without responding or posting. There are no elaborate strategies or structured plans … it’s simply a lack of interest caused from being overwhelmed that naturally creates these boundaries. The challenge is that this pattern of being fully engaged one day and completely disengaged the next has cost me some friendships, as people struggle to understand my need for these sudden, extended breaks from my digital and physical social life. The return happens organically when excitement about reconnecting finally resurfaces, signaling it’s time to start again.