by Michael Smith (Veshengro)
Whilst there is no denying there are many positive aspects to cell phones, smartphones and other portable devices, this way of ‘living in a state of constant alert’ goes some way to explaining why so many of us find it hard to switch off in the evening and enjoy a good night’s sleep.
According to a survey from autumn 2013 almost half (46%) of women questioned surf the net or check their emails whilst in bed and more than 1 in 4 (26%) check social networks just before bed. Little wonder we need to restore the balance!
It is vitally important for our health and wellbeing that we reconnect with our mental on-off switch.
The way to do this is to disconnect from our devices in favor of time to relax and unwind. In the same way a child needs ‘quiet time’ before bed, so do adults and it’s important we realize that unless we look after ourselves properly or else we are ill-equipped to look after anyone else.
But it is not only before bed that we need to put the stop button in. There are also other times and places where being constantly “on” is not a good idea. Someone please tell me why someone goes for a walk in the park or the woods but is jabbering on his cell phone, checking his emails on a device, or is listening to his MP3 player on the smartphone. Time to switch off and plug into Nature.
Also is it really necessary to keep answering emails on the commute to the office. It would be much better instead to use this time, on public transport especially, as I would not suggest it driving a car, to read a book (not on a device but in paper) and to relax before work while doing this. It is much better for you and your mind and also those around you.
While there are, unfortunately, some of us who are on call 24/7 and thus have to have their cell phone on all the time to fiddle with it and checking your Facebook or emails every few minutes is not necessary, I am sure.
In addition, when talking with someone the earplugs come out and the cell phone goes into the pocket. It is bad form to do otherwise. Let's bring some sense back into our lives and step back from the digital obsession. It will do us all good.
© 2014
