Hey, it is August already! Summer vacations are in full swing. We have a chance to disconnect!

This month we are going focus on issues around disconnecting, relaxing, mentally detoxing, and taking needed breaks… so watch for our posts, tweets, and podcasts.

But here’s the thing —- The most important part of disconnecting is… to DO IT.

A lot of the stuff we need to disconnect from, even for brief moments, is under our control. And that’s the kicker – we just don’t do it. Why?

Many reasons…

• “they need me”
• “my office might call”
• “just one more email”
• “my boss might notice that I work every weekend”
• “I promised Susie I’d do it”

Hey, many of these reasons may be appropriate every now and then. It is just the 24/7 connectedness that is really messing with peoples’ life balance.

If you find yourself complaining about life balance, find the off button, and give yourself some space. Even if it is just a little. The world will go on if you take a needed break. Consider these:

• Turn off your cell phone when you walk in the door to your home.
• Avoid checking that phone within an hour of going to sleep.
• Announce to your family that you’d like a half hour of “me time.”
• Take a bath, a walk, a pedicure (yes, this is great of guys too!)
• Schedule weekly classes in something you enjoy – yoga, zumba, painting, squash, tennis, etc.
• Join a book club or just read a good book.
• Laugh with friends.

Notice that each one of these requires action on your part. Disconnecting requires action – by you. It may not happen on its own.

Remember, YOU have the “off button.” Try it!

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