Did you know it's okay to be unavailable? Really! Technology makes it easy to be reached, which is very helpful and convenient - most of the time. But all that social media and email can be overwhelming. It might be time to take a break from all your technological crutches to give your brain a breather and refocus on the real-life priorities that really matter to you.
Technology is amazing in its ability to connect people around the globe to information and each other, but people who make the most of this access often have to deal with the negative effects of overstimulation.
Media addiction can make you feel scatterbrained, sap your creativity, and lead to eyestrain, stress, and sleep deprivation.
Like any other addiction, the initial withdrawal can be difficult. You may feel disconnected, jittery or impatient with the slower speed of a non-digitized life, but stick to it to feel the profound benefits of taking a tech time-out. You’ll soon start to feel relaxed, calm, and insightful.
Here’s how you can take a break from technology this weekend:
1. Set a time goal. Whether it’s just a few hours, a day, or the whole weekend, get specific with your goal. Shoot your emergency contacts a quick email to let them know you're going off the grid. If you must provide a backup method of reaching you, make it by phone – but turn off ALL alerts and push notifications other than your ringer.
2. Hide your laptop and other devices. "Out of sight out of mind" often works, so try stashing your computer somewhere you won’t see it.
3. Breathe deeply and clear your head. Let your brain reboot.
4. Make unplugging a treat. Enjoy your favorite meal, activity, or glass of wine while you revel in all the beauty you notice when you step away from your computer monitor.
5. Distract yourself. Get outdoors or meet up with a friend. Spend some face time (the real kind, not through the app) with your family. Leave your phone at home if you can. Pretty soon, you'll realize all the fun is happening in real life – not on your phone or computer.
6. Go on a date with your spouse or significant other. Leave the phones at home (except maybe one so the babysitter can reach you – but out of sight). Reconnect. Talk. Be quiet together. Take a walk or a long drive in the countryside. Anything to inspire alone time with the one you love.
Take this advice and I guarantee it will become one of your favorite ways to open time.