There's a new-ish slang term called "rawdogging" (no, it's not what you think).
"Rawdogging" implies doing something without the usual aids or preparations. This can include things like traveling without entertainment, exercising without music, or eating something without seasoning.
Examples:
- Travel: Rawdogging a flight means enduring a long journey without headphones, movies, or other in-flight amenities.
- Exercise: Rawdogging a workout could mean going without water, a snack, or a playlist.
- Eating: Rawdogging food could involve consuming something without salt, lime, or other flavor enhancers.
- Social situations: Rawdogging a party could mean going without a designated driver or transportation.
In today’s hyperconnected world, taking a break from screens, notifications, and constant communication should feel liberating. Yet, many of us find that even when we’re “unplugged,” our minds struggle to follow suit.
I recently chatted with a friend who had this exact experience while spending time in the remote mountains of Zimbabwe, disconnected from Wi-Fi and cell service for three whole days. Despite anticipating the peace and quiet, they found their mind buzzing with thoughts like, Did my out-of-office email send? Is someone waiting for a reply? What am I missing?
Spoiler alert: nothing urgent happened. Yet, the mental struggle was real.
This got me thinking about how hard it actually is to disconnect. Many of us have built careers, businesses, and routines that revolve around being accessible. While that’s great for productivity, it can be a hurdle when we need to recharge.
We’ve become so conditioned to check our phones that it feels like we’re missing a part of ourselves if we don’t.
Some of us even find ourselves checking their phones without needing to look for anything specific. It’s just habit. And breaking that habit isn’t easy, but it’s necessary.
The Mental Tug-of-War
So, why is it so hard to truly disconnect, even when we know it’s good for us?
It’s because we’ve trained ourselves to always be “on.”
We associate being reachable with being responsible and productive, so when we’re not, it feels like we’re letting someone down.
But here’s the thing: when you step back, you quickly realize that most things can wait.
That email doesn’t need a response within an hour. Those social media posts will still be there later.
In all likelihood, nothing catastrophic happens when you take a little break. But convincing your brain of that truth in the moment? That’s a different story.
The Plan Is Everything
One of the ways I’ve found to manage this is by planning ahead.
For example, when I went to St. Lucia last year, I decided upfront that I wasn’t going to work during the trip. I left my laptop at home and mentally committed to being present.
Was it hard at first? Absolutely. It felt like I’d locked a piece of myself away when I put my phone in the hotel safe. But once I got over that initial discomfort, I started to appreciate the environment around me more. I was able to fully recharge.
But not every trip allows for total disconnection.
Like when my family and I went on a cruise through Italy and Greece, I knew I needed to stay somewhat connected. So, I set specific times to check emails and respond to urgent messages, but otherwise, I let myself enjoy the experience. Having a plan gave me peace of mind, and I didn’t end up feeling like I’d drained all my energy.
Embrace the Boredom
Contrary to popular belief, boredom is not the enemy.
It’s actually a victory.
In fact, boredom is the fertile ground where creativity grows.
If you always reach for your phone during moments of downtime, you’re never giving your brain the space it needs to wander and create. So, the next time you feel yourself itching to scroll mindlessly, consider embracing the boredom instead. You might be surprised at where your mind goes.
Takeaways for Disconnecting Successfully
So, how can you make your next unplugged experience more successful? Start with a plan. Decide in advance if this is a fully unplugged moment or if you’re going to allow yourself small windows of connectivity. Either way, the key is to stick to your decision and avoid beating yourself up over it.
And when boredom creeps in? Celebrate it. That’s a sign that you’re doing it right.
In the end, learning to disconnect isn’t just about recharging your physical battery—it’s about giving your mind the space it needs to thrive. So, the next time you’re tempted to check that notification or scroll aimlessly, remember: the world won’t fall apart while you’re away.
Are you mentally strong enough to try rawdogging?
Listen to the full podcast episode where Justin King and I discuss this concept here.
Leave a comment