Technology

Taking a break from your technology: 4 top tips to help you unwind and engage with those around you

You may find that taking a total break from technology is a particularly hard thing to do. This is predominantly due to the fact that every aspect of life is filled to the brim with technology, from the moment of waking right up to falling back into bed. However, this is not necessarily good for the mind, body, or soul.

Looking at screens too long can cause eye strain, while bombarding yourself constantly with information and noise can have an adverse effect on your brain. Attention spans have gotten shorter, and the ability to imagine and therefore create is getting harder. In this, insomnia, headaches, depression, anxiety, and impatience are all on the rise. 

These can all be linked to technological addiction; as one form of technology is put down, another is picked up and takes its place. This is even more of a point when you look at the difference between your work PC, where you have to be in a certain location and close to a power socket, and the convenience of your smartphone, which can permanently be with you in your hand.

#1 Moving your mind away from technology

Although technology has been invented to make life easier and more convenient, you should most definitely endeavor to have some time away from these mechanical devices to enjoy other avenues. For instance, even the CEO of virtual accountants 1-800-Accountant, Michael Savage New Canaan takes time out of his virtual accounting firm to enjoy a more fun and creative side of his personality.

Collecting Michael Jordan sneakers, for instance, and showcasing them in his home gives him great pleasure. These, alongside creating his beautiful koi fishpond to house his koi fish at his home in Connecticut, and his classic muscle car and Lego collections, provide his mind with ample breaks from his professional life. They also inspire him to share his knowledge and enthusiasm to help others learn about these topics and take a more active role. IT’s an example you would benefit from following. 

#2 Creating some valuable time between work and play

Creating an activity to slot in between your work and leisure time can help your mind draw an all-important line between the two. Making this a habit will allow your mind to stop focusing on your day at work and start to relax, ready for your evening to start. Of course, finding this pastime can be quite difficult, especially if you work from home or own your own business, but in fact, it is even more necessary for you.

When you go out to work, inevitably, you have to come home. This journey between the two can, for most people, be the mental break that is needed to get the mind and body ready for some relaxation time. If this does not happen to you, you may need to extend this time with an additional activity, such as taking a shower and changing your clothes. However, if your day and evening are spent in the same building or location, it can be hard to differentiate between work and leisure time.

If you enjoy keeping fit, you could make a habit of going to the gym every day after work – even if it is just to have a shower there – and then come home to create the end of the working day scenario. However, if this is not your idea of time well spent, then you will have to devise another way to finish your working day.

#3 Revisit your youth

Once you have taken a mental break from your working day, it is time to think of non-techie pastimes to enjoy either on your own or with your family members. Having evenings where the TV stays off and gadgets such as phones and tablets are put away and not used will undoubtedly bring your home together, even if, at first, it is a struggle.

If you were born before a certain year, you would understand that there can be enjoyment found without the use of the internet, and there is fun to be had teaching other younger members of the household about this. Whether it is throwing or kicking a ball around the yard with make-shift goalposts, cracking open a pack of cards, or breaking into the old favorite board games, your younger occupants will thoroughly enjoy themselves. This, of course, is after they have gotten over the fact that they are not holding or looking at their personal devices.

#4 Catching up with friends

Technology has certainly interfered with the way that people communicate with each other. Nowadays, most contact is made either via social media platforms or by emailing or texting each other instead of calling. This means that there are now people who find it difficult to communicate as they do not know how to talk to each other or hold a basic conversation. This can make life very difficult as humans are, by nature, social creatures, and being a social hermit has its own devastating issues.

Social isolation can cause a mixture of mental problems such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. These can form a vicus circle, as low confidence can stop a person from wanting to interact with others on a social level. However, removing the need for technology and choosing to socialize with friends and family members a couple of evenings every week can rekindle the confidence required while also providing your kids (if you have any) with a way to get social too.

So, to wrap it all up.

It can certainly be difficult to move away from the convenient world of technology; however, it does have its perks. You will find that your household will be happier as it will provide those living around you with time to reconnect. It will teach younger members of your household how to have fun and interact with others. As a family, you will grow closer as you find that you have a lot in common other than constantly looking at your own worlds via your phones or tablets.