I don’t know about you, but unplugging can be hard. Not only is it part of some services I offer, but it’s sometimes necessary for me to stay ahead of others in the branding world. Whether it’s an actual vacation on a beach or a staycation in my favorite local hotel, I find it pretty hard to take a digital detox. But the whole point of taking time off is to recharge your mind and your body. Think about it, when you aren’t refreshed, it shows in the work you produce, you are constantly exhausted or sickly. But when you are refreshed, you sometimes surprise yourself with how creative and analytical you can be.
Check out these facts on mobile device users:

• 84% claim they can’t go a single day without their device. (source)
• 88% use mobile devices as a second screen while watching television. (source)
• Every 6.5 minutes – is the average time users check their devices, even without seeing an alert. (source)

But you owe it to yourself and your brain to take a digital detox and implement a few of the habits below:

1. Start your day without your cell phone, tablet or laptop. For the first hour of your day, commit to not turning on any of the devices that constantly sends you notifications throughout the day. Meditate, read, or do a quick yoga session in your living room.
2. Unplug for 10-20 minutes throughout the day. You have to learn the discipline of unplugging and make sure it fits within your specific lifestyle. When you go to lunch, leave your cell phone. Go for a walk or to the grocery store without your phone.
3. When you would normally reach for your phone out of boredom, read an article or take a walk instead.
4. Put your phone on silent or airplane mode when completing a task. But remember to turn it back on, I am super guilty of forgetting to return my phone back to a normal state. (I usually go on about my day, thinking ‘hmmm it’s so peaceful, I can’t believe my phone hasn’t rung.’)

On another note, unplugging removes those unhealthy feelings of jealousy, envy, and loneliness that operate in our subconscious. We can feel better or worse after every social media interaction. From economic status to body image, the media can create all types of insecurities. By unplugging, you allow yourself to live in the present and focus on appreciating what’s in front of you.

Sometimes, my cell phone reminds me of when I lived in New York City and the rush hour in Times Square. The number of texts, emails, phone calls, and social media notifications can cause my concentration to plummet faster than I can think. But you can’t be accessible 24/7, it dangerous and unhealthy. With just a little effort, putting your devices down will help you connect and reconnect with family and friends and be fully present for the moment.

So, go ahead.. put your phone down, it’s time for a digital detox!

…Remember,

Give your brand the Good Life!