6 Healthy Ways to Get Over Digital Fatigue (for Kids too!)

I recently spent a weekend at the Dream Inn in Santa Cruz, CA with meditation master Sarah Vie, author of I Wish I'd Known, and about 35 other women to uncover emotions that might be holding us back. A beachside hotel called the Dream Inn couldn’t have been a more perfect location to ponder life’s biggest questions – without kids, dogs, partners, work, and a house to pull us out of our “me” zone.

I started the weekend off a little bit of a mess: stressed from traffic, organizing a dog sitter, and making sure I could log off from work for the weekend. Any talk of meditation and manifesting my dreams was not on my radar when there was a house to clean! Bills to pay! Kid to care for! I realize now how close I was to burnout.

My weekend with Sarah manifesting my dreams at the Dream Inn pulled me back, set me straight, and transformed my mood and energy in ways I never expected.

Here’s what I learned about manifesting your dreams right now.

1.Write down your dreams: And don’t just write them down – be specific about what they look like and how they feel when you’ve finally reached them. Close your eyes and imagine yourself in that moment. Where are you? What does it feel, smell, sound like? What are you doing when you reach them? Use visualization tools like a vision board placed front and center; start a daily meditation routine that keeps you focused on your purpose; and try saying your goals aloud to yourself (if that’s not too weird). These practices can help keep you driven and focused.

2. Write down the “show-me’s”: According to Sarah, this is the how. Write down the small steps for achieving bigger goals. Be consistent. It’s a lot easier to give up on your dreams, when the steps for getting there are not already part of your routine. “We can't just do something one time and expect to change a habit,” said Sarah. Reframe how you think about reaching your goals – a mindset of will do vs. maybe will – and create a routine around the steps. 

3. Practice gratitude. Practice gratitude for what you already have – this has a lot to do with shifting your energy and what you attract because what we feel inside attracts the same energy outside. Start a gratitude journal or try these gratitude prompts.

4. Set a daily intention. Sarah suggests using LSD: listen to yourself, stop negative thinking, and declare your goals. Every morning find a quiet space to listen to yourself and your needs – this may be actual meditation, or sitting with a cup of tea, or taking a walk or hike. Set an intention for the day that will help you reach your goals.

5. Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. We talked a lot about energies and magnets – what we put out there, we attract so if you're feeling stressed and chaotic guess what's coming right back at you? Underneath that stress though is usually fear – fear of not seeming perfect or saying no or not doing what your true inner self wants to do. Replace those negative beliefs with positive ones; treat yourself with kindness and understanding; and allow yourself to heal slowly to reach a healthier way of living. "Replace those old stories you tell yourself and redefine them into something positive, so your conscious mind starts to believe you can," says Sarah.

6. Focus on what brings you joy. Spend more time doing the things that bring you joy and your energy will shift to a more positive mindset. A positive mindset is key to achieving your goals, attracting positive experiences, and living the life that you want.

7. Stay accountable. Whether it's a friend or partner or a journal that you check in with on a daily or weekly basis, find ways to hold yourself accountable for your goals and check off those small steps you decide are the best way to get there. You got this!

What is anxiety?

Dr. Shivanand describesanxiety as "a complex state that can manifest in various forms and intensities, affecting both the mind and the body." He continued, saying, “At its core, anxiety involves feelings of worry, fear, and unease, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, and difficulty concentrating. One way to understand anxiety is to think of it as the mind being overwhelmed by the multitude of thoughts, concerns, and stimuli bombarding it at any given moment. Just like a computer with too many open applications, the mind struggles to process everything efficiently, leading to a sense of being scattered and unable to focus.”

Why do I get anxious when I travel?

When it comes to anxiety specific to travel, the reason for why you may experience these uncomfortable feelings could be due to a multitude of reasons and can vary in intensity from person to person. Dr. Shivanand shared that travel anxiety could be in part due to “fear of the unknown, fear of safety, fear of flying, control issues, and past traumatic experiences,” as well other areas of anxiety including “separation anxiety, social anxiety, and health anxiety.” Dr. Shivanand went on to explain that, although fun, “traveling often involves stepping outside of one's comfort zone and encountering unfamiliar situations, environments, and people. For some individuals, the uncertainty of what to expect can trigger feelings of anxiety.”

No matter why you experience anxiety related to travel, “It's important to recognize that travel anxiety is a common and valid experience, and there are various strategies and coping mechanisms available to help manage it,” offered Dr. Shivanand. “These may include relaxation techniques, cognitive-behavioral strategies, gradual exposure to anxiety-provoking situations, seeking support from mental health professionals, and planning ahead to minimize stressors during travel.”

​How can I control my travel anxiety ahead of my upcoming trip?

• Plan and Prepare in Advance: “Plan your trip ahead of time to reduce uncertainty,” says Dr. Shivanand. “This includes booking accommodations, transportation, and activities in advance, as well as familiarizing yourself with the destination, and local regulations.” Having a loose agenda of things to look forward to when your trip starts is a great way to get excited when thinking about traveling, instead of stressed.
• Practice Relaxation Techniques: “Incorporate relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation to calm and center yourself. [Yoga of Immortals] Breathwork and Advance Cognitive sessions can really help,” says Dr. Shivanand. As the founder of the Yoga of Immortals practice, he uses its principles in his everyday life and has seen how it can positively impact the lives of others from a mental health standpoint. However, any type of yoga, meditation, and other similar practices you're familiar with should help.

• Create a Checklist: “Create a checklist of essential items to pack and tasks to complete before your trip to stay organized and minimize last-minute stressors,” shared Dr. Shivanand. “Organizing your belongings and documents can also help you feel more in control during your travels.” The simple task of crossing off packing items from a list can feel cathartic and ensure you don’t forget anything essential during your travels.
  
• Stay Connected: “Maintain communication with friends or family members before, during, and after your trip,” Dr. Shivanand recommends. “Knowing that you have someone to reach out to for support or guidance can provide reassurance and alleviate feelings of isolation.” News flash, the people you care about care about you too! They’ll be happy to hear from you and walk you through any tough feelings, if need be.
  
• Stay Grounded: “Practice mindfulness and grounding techniques to stay present and centered during your travels,” shared Dr. Shivanand. Embrace the ‘pinch me’ moments of your trip as they happen, this is why you’re traveling in the first place after all!

• Seek Professional Support: “If travel-related anxiety significantly impacts your ability to engage in travel experiences, consider seeking support from a mental health professional,” says Dr. Shivanand. Listen; asking for help is okay, and something that you should do if it will have a positive impact on your life.
• Incorporate Meditative & Wellness Daily: In doing so, Dr Shivanand says, "One can effectively manage travel-related anxiety and enjoy your travel experiences with greater ease and confidence.” Dr. Shivanand reiterates that “it's okay to seek support and take proactive steps to prioritize your mental well-being during your travels.”

Sunday Best Mars Skirt

This tiered maxi skirt with an elastic waistband is a staple you need to have in your closet for summer. It's super easy to pair with essentially anything you've already got, plus it just looks effortlessly chic for any occasion. Dressed up or down, the lightweight twill material will feel like an absolute dream against your legs.

The Sunday Best Mars Skirt is available in 4 other colors and sizes XXS-XL for $98.

Free-est Caught In The Moment Maxi Skirt

The raw vertical seaming on this mid-rise style lends it an especially casual air, which is just want you want for those scorching-hot summer days. Though it masters the art of breathability, this skirt will also last you well into fall and winter, depending how you layer up and style it.

The Caught In The Moment Maxi Skirt from Free-est comes in 4 other colors and sizes XS-XL for $70.

Flat White Drop-Waist Maxi Skirt

Okay, drop waist effect! This maxi skirt that comes in an eye-catching blue hue adds a touch of whimsy to your look. It's easy to slip into and secures with a side zipper. The tight ruching along the hips makes this piece anything but ordinary.

The Flat White Drop-Waist Maxi Skirt comes in sizes XXS-XL for $138.

Abercrombie & Fitch Crochet-Style Maxi Skirt

You gotta love a flirty sheer skirt for summertime! This one flaunts a loose crochet construction, so it's still impressively breathable. The mix of crochet patterns add visual interest alongside the contrasting black lines. This 100% cotton skirt is part of a matching set and even has a mini-length liner underneath for additional coverage!

The Crochet-Style Maxi Skirt from Abercrombie & Fitch is also available in white-on-black and sizes XXS-XL for $90.

Urban Renewal Remnants Slub Linen Maxi Skirt

The dainty waistline with a tiny bow in the center on this skirt is to die for! The length fully falls to the floor if you wear it low-waisted, which can be a super fun silhouette to play with if you normally don't rock it. This piece is created from deadstock or discarded fabrics that would have gone unused otherwise.

The Urban Renewal Remnants Slub Linen Maxi Skirt comes in 5 other colors and sizes XS-XL for $65.

Free-est The Convertible Skirt

You can wear this maxi skirt any way you want. That's right – it can also be worn as a dress! It boasts a tiered, layered silhouette with a unique asymmetrical hem, so it's sure to be the staple of your 'fits. There's also a super wide waistband with lotsa elastic for easy, effortless, everyday wear.

There are 4 additional color options for the Free-est The Convertible Skirt. It's shoppable in sizes XS-XL for $88.

Whimsy + Row Marni Maxi Skirt

It's giving cool French girl to the max. This maxi skirt – part of a matching set – is pretty simple in design. Though it doesn't have many extra bells or whistles, the chic polka dot pattern calls attention to your look instantly. The waistband on this number is fully elastic, so everyday wear is as comfy as can be!

The Whimsy + Row Marni Maxi Skirt is also available in solid white or pink and sizes XS-XL for $162.

Gap Crinkle Gauze Denim Maxi Skirt

Denim maxi skirts may be trending right now, but they're not always entirely practical for warm weather. Luckily, this one's a bit more breathable since it's made from a gauzy material. The three-tiered design gives it shape while the smocked wide waistband hugs your figure in the most flattering way.

The Crinkle Gauze Denim Maxi Skirt from Gap is shoppable in sizes XXS-XXL for $70.

Abercrombie & Fitch Drama Tiered Maxi Skirt

The dramatic tiering on this maxi skirt lands a bit more on the formal side. It's part of a matching set, so you could complete your look for a wedding or dinner party pretty easily! The gorgeous yellow shade of this number is dotted with tiny blue blooms and the waistline is part stretchy, part not-stretchy with a side zipper for security!

The Abercrombie & Fitch Drama Tiered Maxi Skirt is also available in a pink colorway and sizes XXS-XL for $90.

Babaton Slip Satin Maxi Skirt

We're obsessed with this sultry smoky blue color. Made from a "drapey satin fabric with a lustrous, glossy sheen that’s extremely soft to the touch," this maxi skirt comes complete with a broken-in, cozy fit. It's made from recycled waste material and wood-based fibers, so it's *sustainably* stylish. It pulls on easily with an elastic waistband.

The Babaton Slip Satin Maxi Skirt comes in 5 other colors and sizes 00-12 for $98.

Free-est Like A Mermaid Skirt

This mermaid-cut maxi feels super whimsical, and it's perfect for giving a little twirl! It pulls on and secures to your liking with a drawstring tie. The frayed, detailed tiering supplies extra oomph with this 100% cotton piece.

The Free-est Like A Mermaid Skirt is available in 6 other colors and sizes XS-XL for $78.

J.Crew Collection Maxi Skirt in Lightweight Chiffon

This maxi skirt carries total profesh vibes with its fine pleats, but it comes out to play with a sheer chiffon material. It's just perfect for that hot, sticky summer weather you know is on its way. This piece is lined with a mini skirt on the inside, so you'll have some nice breathing room!

The J.Crew Collection Maxi Skirt also comes in black and sizes 00-24. It's currently on sale for a limited time for $135 (was $198).

Neon Rose Ricrac Gingham Maxi Skirt

With a playful mismatched squiggly trim at the bottom and youthful gingham pattern, this piece is sure to be the #1 statement of any of your outfits. It boasts a cute little bow at the elastic waistband, which is meant to fit low-waisted. Pair with sandals or your fave sneaks for an adorable summer look!

The Neon Rose Ricrac Gingham Maxi Skirt comes in sizes XS-XL for $64.

Abercrombie & Fitch Crinkle Flowy Maxi Skirt

This red turns heads. Made in an ultra-high rise silhouette, this maxi skirt with a fully elasticated waistband flaunts a light lining on the inside for added coverage, so you can feel cozy all day long. You can even snag the matching top for an easy summer outfit to wear to dinners and dates alike.

The Crinkle Flowy Maxi Skirt from Abercrombie & Fitch comes in 3 other colors and patterns and sizes XXS-XL for $70.

Wild Fable Mid-Rise Lace Trumpet Maxi Skirt

This is summer festival fashion at its finest! This skirt is super lacy for utmost breeziness and even has some built-in shorts so you can wear 'em with ease.

The Wild Fable Mid-Rise Lace Trumpet Maxi Skirt is also shoppable in black and is available in sizes XXS-4X for $25.