We are probably well aware of how much technology has taken over our lives. From the moment we wake up to the moment we go to sleep, we’re constantly connected to our phones, laptops, and other devices. I’m guilty as charged!!
If there’s one thing I’ve learned is that constant exposure to screens and notifications can actually stifle my creativity and productivity. So, it’s important for me to unplug from time to time. Not only does this do me good, it gives my eyes a rest from the constant strain and my mind a break from having to process everything I’m seeing, not to mention trying to understand what I’m seeing. (Now that’s possibly another conversation for another time)
Over the weekend I did just that. I unplugged. Initially I hadn’t intended to, but we were away visiting our girl and yes, I took my laptop and my phone and my ipad with me. I have my kindle app on all devices and I thought I’ll download a book to read whilst we lay at the beach and soak up some rays. So, my thought process went something like this… it’s not really appropriate to take my laptop (I didn’t want it to get covered in sand), didn’t really want to take the ipad, (just something else to worry about and I don’t have a bag to put it in… etc. etc.), so I took my phone.
A couple of hours in and… my phone went flat.
No. More. Book. Let alone anything else.
What transpired was a flurry of emotional frustration with me thinking, ‘now what do I read?’. ‘How can I possibly enjoy the rest of the day just lying here?’ Well, let me tell you after a few mins of this to’ing and fro’ing in my mind I calmed down and just let it be. To be perfectly honest, it was the best thing to have a ‘forced’ unplug from technology. (It had been a while since I’ve done this).
We had great conversations, people watched, enjoyed the beach, staring at the sky and having a nap or two for a few hours.
It. Was. Great.
As someone who’s well-versed in technology, it’s important to know why taking a break from it is crucial for your well-being. Here’s why:
- Mental Health: Being on screens and receiving notifications all the time can make you feel anxious and stressed, which can harm your mental health. Taking a break from tech can help reduce these negative effects.
- Better Focus: Tech can be really distracting and can make it hard to focus on your work. Taking a break will help your brain recharge and you’ll be more productive when you return.
- Creativity Boost: Being on tech all the time can limit your exposure to new experiences and perspectives, which can stifle your creativity. Taking a break and doing new things can help stimulate your imagination and boost your creativity.
- Better Sleep: The blue light from screens can mess up your sleep patterns, making it hard to fall and stay asleep. Taking a break from tech before bed will help you sleep better.
- Stronger Relationships: Spending too much time on tech can lead to less face-to-face interactions and weaker relationships with family and friends. Taking a break can help improve these relationships.
In short, taking a break from tech is crucial for my mental and emotional well-being, focus, creativity, and human connections. What can you do to make sure to unplug every now and then?
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