In such a technologically advance society we've forgotten how to do one thing... RELAX. Even on vacation we're still connected to the world we're trying to get away from. Is this the reason heart disease, heart attacks and other health issues are going up? I'm no scientist but my theory is...yes. Think about it most of these diseases can be exagerated by stress levels. The fact that the computer is no longer a desk top stuck in a study area in the back of the house has a lot to do with it. Laptops, ipads, iphones, blackberries, etc all give us access to work, volunteer duties, and friends all at a moments notice. When someone asks did you get my email you? We can no longer say... No I wasn't near a computer. Our phones/computers/PDAs are attached to our hips... and we can't get away.
Do you realize the digital age is reprogramming our brains? Wait hear me out before you judge... Many people say that multitasking is a skill they do very well, but these days we have no choice. While your working, I know you check your facebook status and tweet throughout the day. Hey I do it too... Not judging here. Everyone who feels they need to speak to you have several ways they can contact you at a moments notice. So not giving your annoying aunt your work number no longer means you're free from her strange way of thinking the world revolves around her while you're at work. (Did I just vent right there... My bad?) When you're at home or out enjoying a day with your beautiful kids: Do you find yourself checking and replying to emails? Are you sending twitpics so that everyone knows what you're doing? Are you sending mobile pics to facebook so friends can see how big "Bobby" has gotten? (Who the heck is Bobby?) Why? Why spend all that valuable time worrying about the outside world when all "Bobby" wants is your attention? (Again with this Bobby?)
My challenge to myself is next vacation I'm logging off. (Whenever I actually find time to take one.) Join me if you'd like. Every email address will have an automatic reply that says "I'm logged off, try this again in a week. Right now I'm trying to relax." I know what you're saying its not very professional, but actually it is. It shows employers and clients I know how to seperate business and personal. I won't let business interfere with my personal life and vice versa.
Just a side note... The best part of the day is when I'm getting my son ready for bed. I log off the computer, put away the laptop and turn off my blackberry... At first it was hard, always afraid I would miss something. Now looking back I'm so glad I did it. Of course I miss a couple emails and calls and realize that someone eventually will be upset cause they can't get in touch with me. If its not life or death I'll get at you in the morning.
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