Plugged In, or Tuned Out?

You’re constantly emailing or texting. You wouldn’t leave home without your BlackBerry, iPhone or other handheld device. And your idea of relaxing is to spend time on Facebook and Twitter, download songs to your iPod or curl up with an ebook. You’re connected 24/7 and you couldn’t be more efficient, productive, and tuned in, right?

Well, maybe not. While technology can help us save time and accomplish more, it can also become an obsession, preventing us from paying attention to what’s happening right now and interacting with our co-workers, as well as loved ones, in a meaningful way. Do you need to unplug? You might, if you say “yes” to one or more of the following scenarios:

• You take most of your meals while at a computer.
• You think nothing of bringing your laptop to the bathroom.
• Your headset/earbud has become part of your anatomy.
• You reply to text or email messages while driving.
• You spend more quality time with your BlackBerry than with your significant other.
• You break out your iPad while having dinner with friends.
• You begin to worry when your inbox is empty for more than five minutes.
• You’re swamped by RSS feeds.

If the behaviors above sound all-too familiar, you’re not alone. So how do you curb your tech obsession and reconnect with your life? Well, you can start by simply setting aside your gadgets for an hour each day. By giving yourself time to unplug:

1. You’ll increase your attention span: Bouncing from one digital device to another can take a toll on your attention span. Rediscover your ability to focus and concentrate for sustained periods of time.
2. You’ll enhance your creativity: Allowing yourself quiet time helps you nurture ideas and cultivate the creative process. Be still, take a breath and let your imagination flow.
3. You’ll be more productive: In today’s digital age, you can access data, share ideas and solicit opinions ad infinitum. Remove yourself from the constant flow of information so you can process what you’ve learned and put this knowledge to use.
4. You’ll nurture your people skills: Relying primarily on online communication can leave you feeling detached. Find opportunities to communicate face to face. You’ll hone your people skills and get better at reading nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions, posture, gestures and eye contact.
5. You’ll “reboot” your relationships: Taking a break from phone calls, emails, texts and IMs will give you an opportunity to focus on family and friends. Unplug and give your loved ones your full attention.

To use technology successfully, you need to strike a balance. By all means, make the most of your digital devices and the tremendous advantages they offer. But don’t forget the power of human connection and the simple joy of companionship — in-person, real time.