Technology is an amazing communication facilitator. Not too long ago, who could have imagined talking virtually face to face with a friend or relative on the other side of the world? What about sending emails to anyone, anywhere, anytime from the comfort of home? Being always available is great…or is it?
We now know that being “on call” 24/7 is not a good thing. Our minds need time to de-stress from the continuous connectivity, as our brains need to relax and recharge.
Being available for after- hours work related communications with their inherent stress inducing content hinders our ability to perform at our best at work. This creates a vicious cycle, as we try to make up for the deficiencies at work by bringing more stress home with us and becoming even more stressed.
Technology is clearly overall a good thing, but it is in our power to create boundaries that allow it to be beneficial and not intrusive and prevent us to be in touch with our selves, our families and friends in real time.
Spend at least 30 minutes a day, every day, doing something for yourself that does not require your phone or computer. Take a walk, ride a bike, meditate, work on a project at home or water your plants. Create a space in time for self-care and disallow interruptions. The rewards are enormous, not the least of them getting to know who you really are.
