It seems like there’s another social media platform popping up every day – Periscope, Facebook live, Twitter, Instagram, Yik Yak, – and many more. Yikes!
All this social media can be overwhelming. It might be time to take a break from all your technological crutches (yes, that means your email too) to give your brain a breather and refocus on the real-life priorities that really matter to you.
Technology is amazing and pretty much every part of our day, technology is involved. It has an 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. Not to mention that every minute you spend checking Instagram or playing Farmville is time you aren’t spending nourishing your primary food needs, relationships, creativity, spirituality etc.
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. Email your emergency contacts 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 favourite 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, go for a walk, 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 just on your phone or computer.
Do you make time to disconnect from your gadgets and reconnect with your life? It’s crucial for your health and productivity.