Have you ever found yourself repeatedly checking your phone, email, or facebook even though you know nothing new has happened in the 5 minutes since you last checked it? Many people can relate. If you’re nodding your head in agreement, maybe its time to unplug yourself from the daily shuffle and bustle of the online world and refocus on the present; non-digital world –you know, the one called reality.
So you’re asking; how do I possibly unplug myself from a world that is constantly buzzing with information and interactions? Here are a few simple tips.
- Set up an automated email response. When you’re unplugging for a family vacation or just a day trip to the park with your kids, set up an automated message that tells your senders that you’ll be out of the office.
- Tell your friends that you’ll be unplugging and for how long. Let everyone know that you won’t be on Facebook or Instagram so they know not to expect anything from you. If people aren’t expecting content, you’ll feel less pressure to provide it.
- Plan how to get to your destination. One of the most used times we use our cell phones is for navigation. Instead of instantly pulling up Maps to get you to your destination, plan ahead. Print out directions or bus routes so you don’t need to use your phone. Better yet, use a map or just ask someone on the street for directions.
Remind yourself that if you’re constantly plugged in to a virtual world, you might miss out on something happening in the real world. Your time does not have to be spent plugged. Do you have other suggestions for unplugging? Please share in the comments!
Until next time,
Yours truly,
Tommy Antonopoulos, Blogger for OfficeTime
PS: Get your no-cost trial the desktop version of our Time Tracking Solution at OfficeTime.net
PPS: How do you use OfficeTime? Let us know – or share your own best time management tips – and get featured in our blog!