Picture yourself taking a break from work. You walk away from your cubicle or office. As you walk away, you can no longer see your computer screen or any triggers to do work but tethered to your hand is your third hand. Your third hand is your smartphone. Now imagine that you have your smartphone set up to function essentially as your laptop being pinged with emails, voicemails, and texts. Each time you hear the ping, see the flash, or feel the vibration…YOU ARE NOT UNPLUGGED FROM WORK!
Why take a break if you can’t break away from your smartphone? I know what is somebody has to reach you in the case of an emergency. If you do not respond within 15 minutes or less, then it will feel as if the fate of the world is resting on your 365/25/7 shoulders. Or maybe you’re imprisoned with the feeling of FOMO…Fear of Missing Out.
Challenge yourself to S E P A R A T E from your smartphone just for 2 minutes, then 4 minutes, then 6 minutes, then 8 minutes, and then 10 minutes…bump it up 2 minutes each day when you TRULY TAKE A BREAK.