Technology has some amazing benefits and I take advantage of it daily!

Everything is available at our fingertips: shopping, news, social media, music, baking, to name a few. No wonder why it can feel non-negotiable to be on our phones all the time.

But just like cheese, too much of it can have a negative effect on our body.

Did you know that:

• 84% of cell phone users claim they could not go a single day without their device.
• 67% of cell phone owners check their phone for messages, alerts, or calls — even when they don’t notice their phone ringing or vibrating.
• Studies indicate some mobile device owners check their devices every 6.5 minutes.
• 88% of U.S. consumers use mobile devices as a second screen even while watching television.
• Almost half of cell owners have slept with their phone next to their bed because they wanted to make sure they didn’t miss any calls.

Our smartphones are such an important part of our day that we can forget the importance of unplugging and be more present in our lives.

I recently took a seven day camping trip to Sequoia National Park where I was forced to be unplugged because I had no cell phone reception. It was exactly what I needed.

I felt completely relaxed and rejuvenated because there was no pressure to check my email, text messages, social media or calendar.

I had time to focus on myself and reflect on some things in my life that I've been ignoring or putting off.

Because of the ability to be present with my thoughts and emotions, I was able to make an important business decision that's been weighing on me for over a year.

It was a reminder that I need to practice being unplugging more often, even if it's for little slivers of time during a busy work week!

Not sure if you need to unplug? If you answer yes to any of the following questions then YES you need to unplug!

1- I feel unhappy, jealous or envious when I'm on social media.

2 - I have a hard time falling asleep at night.

3 - I am unable to focus for long periods of time.

4 - My neck hurts or is tight all the time.

5 - I have FOMO.

6 - I am out of touch with my emotions.

7 - I feel like I need to check my phone when I'm spending time with others.

Don't beat yourself up, we can all do a better job at unplugging and being more present! I suggest setting up a schedule so that this practice stays top of time.

Here's my routine, give it a shot!

NO SCREEN TIME SCHEDULE:

DAILY: 1-2 hours before bed and during 1 break a day.

WEELY: 4+ hours on a day off

MONTHLY: 1 full day

YEARLY: 1-2 weeks during vacation

WAYS TO DECREASE YOUR SCREEN TIME AND REAP THE BENEFITS OF BEING UNPLUGGED:

• Cease screen time 1-2 hours before bed
• Do no check your phone within 1-2 hours of waking up
• At night, put your phone on the other side of the room
• Turn your phone on airplane mode
• Turn off all notifications
• Leave your phone when taking a break

Now, are you ready to start getting unplugged more often? I promise the world won't end, you can do it! In order to be your, you need to take care of yourself and this is one way that you can improve your mind, body and spirit!