Tag: phone

The power of maintaining balance through daily unplugging.

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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?

Wrapping up 2021. Breathe. Continued balance. Perspective. Repeat daily.

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2020 was a lot. 2021 has proven to be even more. Our profession has really taken a hit locally, throughout the state and nation. Teachers, central office personnel and fellow school administrators are leaving the profession. Maintaining high morale has been a challenge while navigating my own. A few things have kept me balanced throughout navigating my career through the nearly past two years of the Covid-19 pandemic. Making family/loved ones, friends, health/wellness, and hobbies a focus while having clear work/home balance each and every day have helped significantly.

NPR ran the article below today that really hit me.

https://www.npr.org/2021/12/23/1067077413/teachers-pandemic-school-classroom-return-to-in-person-learning

Times are tough in our society and especially education. Maintaining a growth mindset, focusing on our circle of control and silver linings are vital.

Make time daily for wellness. Ideally well over an hour but less if needed. Uninterrupted. Phone in another room. Focused. Peloton is my universe of choice but choose what works best for you and stick with it. Make it part of your day. Completely free of distractions – that is key. You’ll be amazed at how great you feel physically and mentally. Ample sleep nightly and well balanced meals help significantly, too.

Make time for family. If they’re far away — call, Zoom, Facetime. If near make time once a week to see them even for an hour or so. Device and distraction free.

Make time for friends. Make time at least once a week to catch up with friends in some capacity. Also uninterrupted time is paramount here.

Make time for a hobby or two. You can do it solo or with family, friends, loved one(s) just make the time to find the joy. For me it is fitness, going on walks on the greenways or trails, listening to some vinyl, reading, or even the occasional Netflix binge. Find what works for you and stick with it.

Work is vital but it is not our everything it shouldn’t consume our daily lives 7 days a week and 365 days a year. Far from it. Balance.

Focusing on negatives accomplishes nothing and is in fact counterproductive. Focus on the positive aspects of work and life. Yes 2021 has been tough but shown below are just a sampling of some of the positive vibes that 2021 has provided professionally to put things in perspective.

We’ve got this. Happy Holidays and a very happy 2022 to all!