Yesterday I read an article in the online New York Times, titled Digital Device Deprive Brain of Needed Downtime. While I encourage you to read the article, the title gives you the message.
I couldn’t have cited the research included, but nothing in the piece surprised me at all.
Then, last night on the NBC Nightly News, while making dinner I listened to a story with a similar message – this one all about teens going to bed with their phones, texting, etc. way past “lights out.”
This morning, in an early morning message to my son away at college, I suggested a ten minute morning and a ten minute evening moratorium in devices, so he could plan and think about his day.
I am a technology lover. I have the maximum number of Facebook friends allowed (please join my fan page instead). I have almost 7800 twitter followers (join me here). I carry a Blackberry to talk, text, check the weather and email (and more), send and receive tons of email each day and more. I sometimes watch too much TV, and sports radio or music is often on in my car.
So I know the malady that these news stories speak of, and fall prey to it myself sometimes. Here is my frequent advice to myself, that I now share with you. STOP!
Let me be more specific.
Shut it down.
Turn it off.
and think.
The multi-tasking myth gets in our way and we think we are being more productive by using our toys in every brief interlude in our day. Our devices and services and technology may allow us to get one more thing done, make one more phone call, connect with one more person, but when are you taking time to put all of that activity into context?
When are you thinking about your day?
When are you planning, so you are using technology and all those brief moments to do the right, strategic and more important things?
When are you reflecting on the success of today and using that as a springboard for your future?
These things can’t be done while cradling your phone, balancing your laptop, sending one more email, watching the latest viral video or skyping with your friend in Singapore.
You are the only person that can find the right balance for you. My suggestion, my urging, my plea is that you shut it all down and disconnect long enough to think about these question and begin to find that balance for yourself.
Planning and reflection are too important to your happiness, success – and yes even your productivity that you believe your technology supports – to be relagated to times when your battery is too low or there is nothing on television. Make a conscious effort and discipline yourself to invest in yourself, not just the latest gadget.
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Hi Kevin,
I like your post. You’re right: people forget that what makes them different from other species is their ability to think. But, we, human beings, are scared of it. We hide behind screens, play with phones and video games and forget to think about the day. It makes us forgetting to learn from our experiences.
We seem to be afraid to miss the latest news or message. But sometimes, the message is just in ourselves.
Besides (and I’m talking about personal experience), you lose contact with your spouse, kids, family and friends… Yeah, what a paradox, isn’t it?
Have a great day.
[Posted earlier on your Facebook page]
Kevin, sounds like you’ve been reading William Powers’ book “Hamlet’s BlackBerry: A Practical Philosophy for Building a Good Life in the Digital Age”
A link to his book is here http://YourStressMatters.com/drsn.htm
Scroll down page to “We …Are Reading…” for a review of this book that explores and asks the reader to consider current concerns and consequences of “connectedness” in this digital age.
SideBar: check out @HamletsBB [William Powers’ twitter board] to read his “personal twitter philosophy: one tweet a day, M-F.”
To cut the noise currently being experienced, we’re considering doing the same.
Enjoy your ten minutes Kevin – Dr. Rae for The Baum Group
I work hard to get far more than ten minutes.. but ten… is a good place to start!
Kevin
I love your suggestions, Kevin! No matter what line of work a person is in, some downtime to clear the brain is never a bad idea. As this article (http://www.upyourservice.com/learning-library/customer-service-mindset/serving-others-serve-yourself) points out, taking the time to recharge is vital.
Hi, Kevin – good post and good advice.
One of the most difficult facilitations I have ever done was trying to help people in small groups learn to relax and just think without any distractions. The purpose of this was two-fold: to teach relaxation and meditation techniques while also getting the individuals ready for some challenging therapeutic work around addiction and dependency issues.
This was long before all our modern technological “toys” that make this type of thing even more challenging today. Some of us may have worn pagers, but cellphones were large, heavy, brick-shaped objects that only the elite could afford.
People being people, we find other ways to distract ourselves and keep busy. I believe this is due to some level of fear of engaging with self. When you take away the distractions, all you have is you. We talk in leadership about the value of knowing oneself, but sometimes we are talking only about surface behaviors or general attitudes. Really knowing yourself, which is critical to change, is often difficult and sometimes painful as “all get out”.
Of coure, with great risk comes the potential for great reward. As you said, start with 10 minutes and work your way up:)
John