While technology certainly makes communication easier and information more accessible, there are many benefits to unplugging from the grid throughout your day.
Time Savings
Do you have to check your Crackberry every time you see that red light blink? If you do, then it is a big time suck to your day. You save more time if you check your email at allotted times throughout the day. As suggested in The 4-Hour Work Week, you can even put an autoresponder on your email stating your check-in times and alerting others to your new policy.
Facetime
Nothing is more annoying or rude than being in the company of someone incessantly distracted by technology. Put your phone on silent and check it when there is a break. You will enjoy your friends more and they will be happy to have you “backâ€. Also, while we can text and email our friends and loved ones, nothing is more fulfilling than facetime and shared experiences with them.
Feeling Good and Connection
Studies have shown that people who watch a lot of television tend to be more depressed than people who watch a moderate amount or none at all. The same is true for technology. Go out for a walk without your phone or iPod and reconnect with Earth. You will feel much better than sitting by yourself with your mobile device. But what if something happens? Don’t worry. We survived just fine without cell phones before and we will now. You can always reach out and ask for help if you need it. What could be more human?
Remember, a Blackberry won’t bring you soup when you are sick. Let the light blink and reconnect with life.