For people wondering if constant connectivity has truly boosted their productivity or just made them work longer without actually getting more done, we've created a quiz that reveals the truth. … [Read more...]
Digital Detox: The Gift That Keeps On Giving
Many of us will have time off during the holidays, but will we really take a break? Despite being out of the office, 44% of us will be checking work email during vacation. Instead of that, be part of the 56% who unplug and take a real breather. Try one of these easy ways to take the first step: Use Auto Responders: Set auto responders and turn off notifications. Craft outgoing messages telling people when you’ll return and include ways for them to contact you if the sky falls. Apps like … [Read more...]
Land of the Lost Boundaries
Only recently has having access to everyone all the time become an option. Boundaries like evenings, weekends, vacations and holidays used to provide natural work/life buffers. Who'd have ever considered telling a coworker about a glitch in the Matrix while that person was on vacation? Vacation was for vacationing. Period. Pass the daiquiris. Then the Age of Distraction dawned bringing with it the power to contact everyone at anytime, no matter what their level of interest or response might … [Read more...]
How and Why You Absolutely CAN Go On Vacation
How many of us think our position is so unique that no one else could possibly fill-in for us? Anyone afraid that if they unplug for a few days the company might crumble? If you answered "yes" to either of those questions, you’re in good company. Recent studies indicate that over 40% of Americans are too scared to use all of their vacation days. They're intimidated by the pile of stuff they’ll return to, afraid of being seen as replaceable, frightened that no one can fill in for them, etc. … [Read more...]
4 Easy E-Boundaries for Daily Digital Detoxes
There aren't many items in our lives that enjoy the all access pass we give our smart phones. From boardrooms to bedrooms, bathroom stalls to dinner tables, these units go everywhere. While this behavior is accepted, expected and largely habitual, there are some real benefits to creating device-free zones in our lives. Consider…. Technology-free bedrooms lead to better sleep. A recent study from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston affirmed what many bedtime scrollers already suspected; “We … [Read more...]
Simple Digital Detox for Tech Addicts
Ten years ago, would anyone have thought that unplugging from screened devices, even for a few hours, would become an idea worthy of books, seminars and retreats? With studies showing that overuse of technology leads to lack of focus, increased stress levels and burnout, it makes sense that people are looking to kick the habit. Since this isn't easy, how can we start and what’s the point? Baby Steps: Rather than setting out for a wild weekend sans technology, try one small hour of unplugged … [Read more...]
Distraction’s Cost and How Not To Pay
How many times an hour do we stop what we’re doing to check messages and/or send a reply? Anyone look to see if something’s there even without a notification? One study found that mobile users check their phones 110 times a day. Is there really that much going on? Because of our constantly connected lives, we’ve all caught a case of FOMO; the Fear Of Missing Out. We’re not actually checking because we think something's waiting, we just want to make sure we don’t MISS anything. Whether an … [Read more...]
Three More Hours of Free Time Each Day!
Thinking that the use of mobile devices for leisurely distraction leads to a happier, more fulfilled life is like drinking another mojito to get sober. A recent study from Kent University shows that students in the "high use" category (use devices extensively during leisure time) experience more stress and anxiety than those who use their leisure time in other ways. It even suggested that, “The high-frequency cell phone user may not have the leisure skills necessary to creatively fill their … [Read more...]
Not As Important As We Think We Are
Describe the last event that sent life totally off the rails because a text or email wasn’t immediately answered. Can you think of a time that making a plan could have replaced long periods of distracted texting and endless email threads? We operate these days with one eye on our devices and the other on whatever it is we are actually doing. Being constantly connected (and distracted) is acceptable and even expected; everyone's doing it and will continue to do so. But like that bridge people … [Read more...]
Say What!? Listening to Ourselves and Sharing Our Stories
What happens when we unplug, remove the usual distractions and head off the grid for three days? Listen to Nicole Belanger describe her experience with Think NewCo and her path as a story teller, speaker and writer. More from Nicole, including a link to her TEDx talk can be found here. … [Read more...]
