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WELLNESS CONNECTION · Life BalanceUnplugging and ReconnectingBy Claudia Dunn, M.A., OTR/L, Lifestyle ConsultantJanuary 19, 2011 - 12:00PM Many of us are reluctant to ever “unplug” (i.e. turn off all personal devices, including cell phones and computers). Perhaps we are being mindful of friends or coworkers who would become concerned or upset if not responded to within an expected period of time. Perhaps we are parents who use technology to track the whereabouts and safety of our children, or employers who have become accustomed to having access to our employees 24/7, often via work-issued devices. We all have our reasons for staying connected and they’re often good ones. The problem lies in the relentless nature of technology. When it comes to the prospect of unplugging for even a short period of time, a cold sweat can set in for many people, a condition known as “disconnectivity anxiety” or boredom, both of which are associated with the process of addictive behavior withdrawal. If you’ve tried unplugging for any period of time, you may have noticed having cravings or urges that often show up as physical impulses such as sweaty palms, muscle tension, or sudden, unconscious hand jerking in the direction of your cell phone. Even the thought of separation from the “fix” of compulsively checking emails or texts can take on all the qualities of a substance abuse habit, where the device controls the user. The repercussions of too much technology can be far reaching. Consider the following: Relationships:: Even longstanding, well-developed relationships can slip into that gray area of being virtually maintained more often than in reality. We can find ourselves interacting more with digital interfaces than with the human beings in our lives. Communication and Interpersonal skills: When we lose the subtleties of body language, facial expression or the nonverbal, kinesthetic signals sent by a hug or a handshake, our communication and interpersonal skills begin eroding. Attention Span: Oftentimes we’re “plugged in” to several outlets at once. With multiple, scattered demands on our attention, we can find ourselves in a tailspin of stress and distraction. Studies show that when one spends a great amount of time multitasking – paying divided attention to a number of different stimuli simultaneously – the ability to concentrate at deeper levels deteriorates. Self-Esteem: Self-worth can also become deeply intertwined with one’s degree of device connectivity, taking into account the popular perception that being constantly connected to technology is associated with being successful, in demand, or valued. Consider the benefits of “unplugging,” limiting or eliminating technology from your life for a set period of time. Unplugging acts as a sort of detox from the outside stimulation we’ve become so accustomed to fielding. When not distracted by perpetual incoming stimuli, we have a chance to reconnect with the living, make physical contact with the people in our lives, catch our breath and replenish our souls. Here are some simple, actionable steps that you can begin taking right now to set boundaries and reestablish control over your device use: • Designate short periods of time where you completely disconnect from all devices. Turn them off, remove them or yourself from the premises; start with even one hour at a time, but be vigilant. • Set appropriate expectations. If you set the expectation for others that you are perpetually available, then you’ll be treated as such. For example, when on vacation, advise that you’re only to be contacted in an emergency…and define what an emergency is. When on vacation rejuvenating, stay truly disconnected. Activate your email auto-reply feature and post your status on social networking sites, like Facebook or Twitter, saying you’ll be off your phone or computer. • Set your email preferences (for example, in Outlook rules) so that only those emails considered by you to be high priority will be sent to your phone. Most likely, a large percentage will have become obsolete by the time you’ve returned to your workplace, whether this is a day or a week later. • Whenever possible, opt for communicating through direct personal interaction versus a device. • Just as you would be mindful of what you eat, be aware of the volume and frequency of the electronic prompts and alerts you are taking in. Ultimately, if you’re feeling enslaved by devices, or if you experience “disconnectivity anxiety” at the prospect of unplugging, you’ll want to reevaluate your relationship with technology. By engaging in an initial withdrawal period, you will find that you are able to take back control over the role technology devices play in your life, using them as tools that assist you rather than a collective overriding force that perpetually demands your energy and attention. You will most likely find that this new freedom of time and attention will allow for the building and strengthening of real connections with real people, in real time. When all is said and done, these are the greatest connections of all. Rated by 4 people:
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Recent PostsJanuary 19, 2011 - 12:00PMUnplugging and ReconnectingBy Claudia Dunn, M.A., OTR/L, Lifestyle ConsultantArchives |
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