Unplug

We’ve been quiet for a while because we chose to go deeper BUT we're back.

In that time, we listened more closely to the stories people were carrying out of toxic work spaces. We paid attention to what burnout actually feels like in the body, what survival does to identity, and why rest alone is not enough to restore someone who has been in prolonged stress. And we rebuilt.

We’re back now, with more clarity, more intention, and a shift in how we hold this work.

We are now returning as a cohort-based model.

What that means is this that instead of retreats or one-off sessions, we’re creating intentional, guided experiences where a small group of people move through the recovery process together, over a set period of time. Each cohort is designed to be structured, supported, and deeply immersive, allowing you to not only learn, but actually integrate the work in real time.

You won’t be doing this alone.

You’ll be moving through a carefully designed journey, alongside others who understand what it means to come out of toxic environments and are committed to doing the work of rebuilding.

What you can expect from us is deeper conversations about toxic work spaces and its real impact, practical tools that go beyond surface-level wellness, and spaces designed for people who are not just trying to cope, but to actually heal and restore their sense of self.

Unplug is one of those spaces, a nervous system and re-education experience designed for people ready to come home to themselves after environments that required them to disconnect in order to survive.

If you’ve been here before, welcome back. If you’re new here, you’re right on time. If you’re ready to do this work in a more intentional, supported way, we’ll be sharing how to join the next cohort soon.

If you notice your mood lifting when you think of water, whether sunbathing by a lake or ocean, swimming in a local pool or watering hole, boating on a river, or sipping ice-cold lemonade as beads of condensation drip down the glass— that’s no coincidence. Being in and around water has proven benefits for well-being.

Are you aware that water satisfies all five senses? I think that makes it really special.

The smell of ocean air essentially tells our system to relax, as minerals like salt, magnesium, and potassium in sea air calm the physical body.

The act of simply looking at water is soothing too.

Research has proven that listening to water sounds — raindrops, rolling waves, running creeks — has also been shown to reduce stress hormones and ease anxiety.

Shi Kang'ethe is a blue mind and that's how she introduced Unplug as a program by toxicworkspaces.com which is designed to help professionals unplug and rest.

We hope you get to one day experience the calming effects of water with us at Toxic Work Spaces For now, enjoy the photo below Shi captured during a stay at Silver Palm Spa And Resort-Kilifi and have a wonderful and restful weekend.

Someone on Twitter confessed that they miss the days when a doctor would prescribe that you go sit by the sea and drink warm broth to cure your agonies.

When I was navigating a toxic work space, taking time to unplug and also taking blue mind therapy sessions helped me a whole lot. Years later, being by the ocean continues to center and heal me. I am passionate about helping professionals navigate the workplace and often I recommend that they take time to unplug and rest or try immersing themselves in blue minds for their whole person well-being. It's said that proximity to the ocean can have a positive impact on your health: the closer you are to the sea, the better you feel.

Did you know that being near to the ocean is relaxing? Have you experienced it? If not, would you like to?

Researchers have found that the sound of waves alters brain patterns, which lulls you into a deeply relaxed state and rejuvenates body and mind.

Also, the seaside encourages physical activity, even if it's simply a walk on the beach or like in my case, I love photography.

Being near to the ocean greatly affects mental wellbeing. As you sit on the beach listening to the roar of the waves, feeling the ocean breeze blow through your hair and enjoy the warmth of the sun on your skin, you feel wonderful. This seaside buzz is known as "thalassotherapy", a term coined by Hippocrates.

The rhythmic sound of the waves pounding the shore enables a meditative state. The benefits of meditation are far reaching: stress reduction, deep relaxation, increased happiness, improved peace of mind, spontaneity and heightened creativity.

So if you are ready to unplug your devices in order to enhance your immune system, increase alertness and improve your concentration. And, oh sleep well, try blue mind or thalassotherapy.

It's good for you!

Have a lovely afternoon.