Regardless of what holiday you celebrate, December brings with it all kinds of stress: shopping, finances, and family gatherings. Don’t let yourself get lost in the shuffle. How are you doing with your resolution to take better care of yourself in 2014? Are you making strides in achieving a healthier you—mind, body and soul?
At Gurwin, we’ve resolved to help you make some small changes throughout the year that will help you achieve your goal, and we give you tips during the first week of the month to get you there. So far, we suggested you donate blood, add a little exercise, make small changes to your eating habits, reduce your stress, find time to volunteer, care for your skin, stay hydrated, rest, get your flu shot and quit smoking. This month, we focus on a resolution to get disconnected.
Do you sleep with your smart phone? Do you regularly multi-task, checking social media while out to dinner or having a conversation with your spouse? Do you find yourself answering emails for work long after the sun has set? If you are addicted to technology, as most of us are, then you need time to unplug. While it isn’t practical to say we should unplug for long, being without your smart phone, tablet or computer for just 24 hours is a great start.
Here are six reasons you should unplug this weekend:
- Unplugging helps your brain power. Studies have shown that multi-taskers have more trouble shutting out distractions and concentrating, and they remember less.
- Unplugging helps your physical well-being. Constant distractions mean we often don’t notice small things that may be bothering us. If nothing else, unplugging gives you time to listen to your body and take care of yourself.
- Unplugging helps you restore your relationships. Connect with those you love face to face, no distractions.
- Unplugging helps you build your communication skills. The art of conversation is fading. Bring it back to life.
- Unplugging gives your mind time to rest. Our brains are overworked. They need some downtime, too!
- Unplugging prevents accidents and errors due to distraction. Especially when driving, unplugging means we’re more focused, and less likely to make serious errors.
Although getting unplugged may seem impossible, do a simple exercise: for one whole day, decide which of your communications couldn’t have waited for your response. You’ll be surprised how little requires your immediate attention when it isn’t during working hours.
So unplug, and relax!
