I’ve often heard people say that the internet is ‘a blessing and a curse’ and I’d go along with that. All your what’s, where’s and how’s can be answered in moments, making the internet a great time-saving tool. The internet offers facts, fun, and fantasy, but while you’ve got your head in your desktop or device, you are missing out on many ‘real life’ experiences. How often have you found that an hour (or more) has passed while you’ve been surfing the net or watching YouTube videos?
Human beings need connection and the connection that we get via technology is not as gratifying as the true bond that we experience when we meet, speak and interact with people face to face... or simply take some time to get outside, get some fresh air and get active.
Cross something tedious off your to-do list
Books have been written about the benefits of tackling your to-do list by doing the least appealing task first and there’s good sense in this. Clients tell me they feel good when they cross things off a list, but the tasks that you dread most are the ones that once completed bring the biggest sense of wellbeing. Constantly procrastinating can leave you with chronic stress and this can affect your sleep as well as health. This low-level but persistent stress is likely to stay with you until you tackle that tricky or tedious thing. The sense of liberation which comes when you score it off your list is amazing.
Take some time off (or at least leave work on time!)
Many of us work way too many hours, skipping lunch or staying late. No matter how important or rewarding your job is, working like this long-term will lead to burn out. Taking a day off here and there is a great way to stay sane and re-charge. Ignore any temptation to catch up with chores and catch up with yourself instead (or those close to you). If taking a day off mid-week will make your week more difficult, why not take your ‘me’ day on a Monday or Friday, so you can really switch off and enjoy some free time.
Forget about silent... power off
FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) is a huge problem and it’s not just youngsters who suffer anxiety if they are separated from their phone or device. Like other forms of compulsive behaviour, checking your screen every few minutes (or seconds) only feeds the need. If you’re not ready for a full digital detox, try leaving it at home when you go shopping or turn it off when you’re watching TV or reading a book. Your focus will be better and you may not even miss it. The world won’t end when you take a break from your phone.
Do something different
All work and no play makes Jack (or Jill) a dull boy/girl – so the saying goes. It’s so easy to slip into a repetitive pattern. If you break with your routine from time to time and do something different, it can really give you a lift. Whether it’s learning a language, taking up tap dancing, brewing your own beer or switching off your screens and reading a book, you are likely to experience a sense of satisfaction and perhaps feel revitalised.
Need some help making these changes? Book a chat with me now.
