It’s Digital Friday! Today we are honored to have a guest post from Fajr Muhammad. She is the super-fab editor-in-chief of the female empowerment and personal style blog ‘Stylish Thought‘, where style meets substance!
I know it may seem a little odd that a tech-life blog would be encouraging you to unplug, but I am a firm believer in doing just that from time to time. It’s imperative for all of us to take some time to unplug from technology and reconnect with those things that truly matter in life, and Fajr gives us some great tips to do just that. Read on for some serious wisdom…
Unplug & Reboot: 5 Ways to Disconnect
by Fajr Muhammad
We’re living in the Era of Constant Connection. We’re plugged in from every angle. We’re hooked up on Facebook, tapped into Twitter and in the loop with our RSS feed. Daily internet use and connection is modus operandi and traditional interaction is becoming de passe.
Stepping away from the computer is easier said than done, so here are five ways to take regular digital breaks.
1. Employ a No Cell Phone Rule: With thousands of apps, cell phones are mini computers and we use them everywhere from on the train to the dinner table. Institute a no cell phone rule at times when you should be engaging, like a dinner or a social gathering. Resist the urge to check emails, your Twitter app or text messages. Use airplane mode or apps like SelfControlto block the Internet.
2. Actually Take your Lunch Break: Americans are losing their lunch. Not literally, but statistics show that 45% of Americans are taking fewer and shorter lunch breaks. Put down your mouse, move away from the keyboard and reclaim your lunch break! Going outdoors and eating lunch with coworkers contributes to increased productivity, better hand-eye coordination and efficiency.
3. Leave your Devices at Home: As difficult as it might sound, on your next vacation leave your laptop, iPad and other devices at home. Enjoy time with your loved ones sans electronics. Embrace time without the distraction of a Twitter chirp, email ping or status update.
4. Go on a Blog Vacation: Blog reading is a daily activity and is basically how we get our information. While reading online is convenient, it’s also hard on our eyes. Take a blog break and get in touch with paper. Commit to reading newspapers, magazines and books.
5. Network In Real Life: Social networking has become the standard. We’ve become accustomed to interacting on our social channels and are neglecting old-fashioned in person contact. Instead of texting a friend, call them. Schedule regular weekly lunches. Instead of emailing a request to a colleague, get up and ask the person. Step from behind the screen and get some face time.
The world wide web is our way of life but taking time every once in awhile to shut down your computer and get back to real life is necessary. Rebooting and clearing your mind from the millions of online distractions help with our clarity, health and happiness.
Fajr Muhammad is a freelance writer, blogger and digital dame. When she’s not writing about digital media, women’s issues and life advice, she runs the fashion/lifestyle website StylishThought. You can connect with her on Twitterand Linkedin.