Finding Time To Detach And Disconnect by Cindy Stradling CSL, CPC

The last few years have dramatically changed the business model for many companies. In 2020, most businesses had to discover how to operate with remote workers and management teams, relying increasingly on platforms such as Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams, and many others to connect employees to managers and companies to customers.

While this transition has increased the number of small and large businesses offering hybrid or remote work positions, it has also created a very real change for everyone in the company. For almost two years, many employees worked at home, which made it very difficult to separate work and personal time.

Today, more than ever, it is vital to your health and well-being to find the time to disconnect and detach from work and technology. The challenge for many is that technology is also a part of their personal life, from social media platforms to online dating sites and beyond.

Finding downtime free from technology, screens, phones, and similar distractions is a vital part of self-care. Taking time regularly to detach and disconnect offers several benefits that anyone can enjoy.

Helping Your Brain  

Despite a commonly used metaphor, your brain is not a computer. It cannot continue to handle large amounts of information delivered in the form of text, colors, graphics, moving images, and sounds that are constantly changing. To make it worse, people often multi-task, taking in various technology inputs simultaneously.

Think of how often you use a computer, cell phone, tablet, or other devices such as fitness watches and other wearables. More and more often, people turn to these types of devices when they are bored, alone, or even when exercising or enjoying a meal. This bombardment of data keeps the brain working all the time, limiting any downtime and rest it gets to process the information, learn, and even develop new ideas and innovations.

The Disconnected Downtime Benefit

By routinely providing downtime that is free from technology, the brain is able to process experiences. It is this processing that allows the brain to store information in the form of memories in a way that can easily recalled.

The more stimulated the brain is, the less it can learn, categorize, and store information. By creating downtime, people feel less stressed, more creative, and more interested and engaged in the world around them. It can also help relieve symptoms such as brain fog, headaches, eye strain, and even back and neck pains associated with computer and device use.

Building in daily downtime is a great habit to develop. One of the best ways to build in downtime throughout the day is to get outdoors and go for a walk. Leave the cell phone and earbuds behind, and just be mindful of the world around you.