A few years ago, I decided to avoid technology when I was at my beach house. I didn’t check email, voicemail, Facebook, or Twitter, and I was able to totally relax and really take a break. So disconnecting was helpful, and I was able to resume my business responsibilities when I got back. 
The year is coming to an end, and it’s a good time to assess how dependent (or addicted) we’ve become to technology. Computers and smartphones are necessary to run a business, but it’s important to take a break once in a while. Or at least decrease our technology use to just the basics, such as responding to emails from clients who are expecting a project or answering a customer’s question on Twitter.
Some people are so addicted to technology and the Internet, they pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars to get away. Claire Suddath mentions a Digital Detox retreat in Bloomberg Businessweek. For a few days, people eat vegan food, walk in the woods, swim, practice yoga, and write their thoughts about the experience in a journal. They’re not allowed to use any gadgets, even cameras. Some have a hard time with it, but others enjoy the break and discover their thoughts again.
Taking such a trip may not be necessary, but there are effective ways to unplug during a regular workweek. With a change, new habits can also be formed that will last through the new year.
Start the day fresh. Instead of waking up and checking email and social media right away, do something else that’s helpful for getting ready for the new day. It minimizes stress and also makes it easier to become more disciplined about non-essential communication.
Choose a time every week to totally unplug from technology. Some people do it for an entire day, and they’re able to slow down. If that’s too difficult to maintain, decide how many hours will be tech-free. Then set up a meeting offline or simply take care of tasks that may have been neglected due to excessive tech use.
Make a schedule and stick to it. It might be tempting to not follow it, but it will provide structure and make the tech-break plan more solid. And having someone else to be accountable to, who will make sure the schedule is really being followed, will make the commitment even easier.
How do you unplug? Any other suggestions?
