The Relief of Unplugging
Apr 26, 2026
This weekend ended up teaching me a lesson I didn’t expect, all because of a simple mistake. When I got home on Friday, I assumed I had brought my laptop with me like I always do. By Saturday morning, it became painfully clear that I didn’t have it. That laptop is central to everything I do for work, so my mind immediately went to worst-case scenarios. I replayed my errands, wondered if it had been stolen, and stressed over the cost and inconvenience of losing something so essential.
After that initial wave of anxiety passed, something interesting happened. I realized there was nothing I could do about it until Monday anyway, so I let it go. And in letting it go, I ended up having one of the most enjoyable weekends I’ve had in a long time. I went dirt biking with my son, spent time relaxing on the deck, and had family over for Sunday dinner to celebrate my wife’s birthday. What surprised me most was how completely disconnected I felt from work—in the best way possible. I wasn’t tempted to log in, check emails, or “just get a little ahead.” Work never even crossed my mind.
When I returned to the office Monday morning, I found the laptop exactly where it should have been, just pushed slightly out of sight. The relief was real, but so was the realization that the weekend had been better because I didn’t have it with me.
It made me think about how often we carry our work everywhere, blurring the lines between professional and personal life. This experience reminded me that there’s a full, meaningful life beyond our screens, and it deserves our time and attention. Taking real breaks isn’t irresponsible—it’s necessary.
Check out The Appraiser Coach Podcast for more info on this topic:
