Emails, texts, social media. We are plugged in daily throughout our daily lives at work, home and in our lives. It can be and often is — too much. We often spend so much time being connected it can be a challenge to connect effectively with people in person.

I found that no matter how busy the calendar of events is maintaining set time to be disconnected from our devices is not only refreshing but necessary in seeking balance.

I have blogged in the past about my workouts always being device free. (For reference – https://brendanfetters.com/2024/02/18/maintaining-professional-stability-through-daily-balance/) This is one time daily that I know I have disconnected time in place. I hold myself accountable to this daily by keeping my phone not only in another room but on another section of the house.

Being device-free for 60-90 minutes straight most days during this block makes shifting to time and space to read, do chores, etc. completely disconnected easier as well.

In other personal lives it is also vital to have time and space for human connection – device free. I’m not accessing my phone while engaging with friends and/or family — being in the moment distraction free and completely focused on conversation and that human connection.

Completely disconnecting is sometimes a challenge but this recent article in The New York Times offers several outstanding tips and tricks around common situations that require us to be connected in some capacity — to have a healthy relationship with our devices. I highly recommend giving it a read —

Disconnecting is powerful in our 24/7 “on” lives but it takes effort. The rewards are powerful. This is something I’m continuing to grow within myself as there is always room for improvement within ourselves, right?