Loose your phones

Many of us can still remember the time before cell phones and when accessing the internet meant starting a dial-up connection. Getting in touch with someone, initiating a conversation took effort. The news was delivered to us through the morning newspaper and the slotted time on television. Life was slower, more leisurely, and in some ways less anxious than what it is today.

Nowadays we are constantly bombarded with information. We are compelled to multi-task as we complete our errands via an app on our smartphones. Conversations are instantaneous, and we get impatient and anxious when a reply is not immediately forthcoming. The age of connectivity has solved many of the older problems but has brought with it a new set of issues. The constant bombardment of news and notifications that keep popping up, reminding us of some insignificant thing that we don't matter to us.

Sometimes disassociating from the information overload will be a tremendous benefit to our mental health. Taking time to disconnect from our devices and form real connections with our family and friends will make us much happier and productive. Are you due for a digital detox? Take some time to be mindful of your stress levels and choose to optimize for your happiness by stepping back from your daily onslaught of the virtual world. There is no better time than the summer when the weather is excellent, and the earth is beginning to unfold its natural beauty. Take some time off from your devices. You deserve it.
#ConnectAndEngage