I just returned from an amazing 10-day stint in New Mexico — first leading a women’s yoga retreat , then celebrating 25 years of marriage with Bruce. Yes, that was worth capitalizing! They call it the Land of Enchantment for good reason. It invites you to unplug, take in the vast sky, and breathe the clear, crisp air.

Of course, I found myself — as usual — checking in and tending to my business via my phone, but I made a deliberate choice to keep it to only what was truly necessary. During the retreat, a recurring theme kept surfacing among the women: the longing to break free from the lure of the phone.

And honestly, I get it.

As a real estate broker, yoga teacher, and business owner, being “available” is part of my DNA. The real estate world runs on quick responses and constant updates. But being glued to our phones isn’t just a work thing — it’s a cultural thing. A recent Pew study found that 41% of Americans feel they’re online almost constantly. That’s a lot of energy flowing outward.

When you realize our phones are literally designed to trigger dopamine and addictive behaviors, it’s no wonder we feel a little lost (or anxious) when we can’t find them.

Here’s the truth — whether you’re managing your home, your work, or simply living your daily life — learning to unplug a little can help you make clearer decisions, stay grounded, and feel more connected to what truly matters.

Because clarity doesn’t come through a screen — it comes through space.

Be Patient with Yourself

Changing your relationship with your phone takes time. Forget that old “21 days to make a habit” myth — science shows it actually takes about 66 days on average to form a new one. So be gentle with yourself. Start small. And when you slip (because you will), simply begin again.

7 Ways to Break Free From Your Phone

1. Create No-Phone Zones
For me, my bike is sacred. When I ride to showings or errands, my silenced phone goes in my bag — unreachable. I breathe, smile at strangers, notice the way the light hits a front porch, or the new café opening up on Alberta. Presence always shows me something new.

2. Use an Old-Fashioned Alarm Clock
If you start your day by scrolling, consider switching to a real alarm clock. That small shift can change the tone of your morning — from reactive to intentional.

3. Schedule “Still” Breaks
When we’re tired or bored, we tend to scroll. Try setting aside 10 minutes a few times a day to simply be. Step outside. Pet your dog. Stretch. Sip water. These mini-pauses refill your energy far better than another scroll.

4. Designate “Sacred Time”
Whether it’s your morning coffee, evening meal, or Sunday walk, protect certain parts of your day from interruption. This is where the magic of clarity lives — and where your intuition about life, love, or real estate often surfaces.

5. Turn Off Non-Essential Notifications
You don’t need to know about every sale at REI or every new email the second it lands. Choose what actually requires your attention and let the rest wait.

6. Use Downtime Wisely
Instead of filling idle moments with scrolling, look around  and think of something that you’re grateful for. Gratitude instantly shifts your nervous system into calm.

7. Make It Communal
Invite your family, friends, or team to join you in a “phone-free hour” challenge. It’s amazing what unfolds when everyone looks up and engages with the real world — the one right in front of us.

I’m still “landing” this morning — reacclimating to home, work, and Portland with a renewed awareness of what truly matters, including being more conscious of my phone time and how I use it. I was reminded of just how efficient and present we can be when we’re deliberate, and I’m looking forward to carrying that forward.

Learning to disconnect isn’t about missing out — it’s about reconnecting: to yourself, your home, your work, and the people who matter most.

In my experience, that’s where the real success lives — both in real estate and in life. ✨

With love and presence,
Pam
Licensed in Oregon & Washington

503-347-8551 | yogabugrealestate.com