I enjoy going to lunch with my friend Ann. She is a retired social worker who worked as a school social worker for almost 30 years. We worked together for about 10 of those years. When we get together, we have so much fun catching up on the latest happenings in our lives.
The last time we went to lunch, another acquaintance was in the same area of the restaurant. He saw us laughing and commented that we were just having too much fun. We spend the time talking, sharing and enjoying our food. We leave our cell phones in our purses, until it’s time to show pictures. I usually have pictures of my college student daughters. She shares pictures and videos of her precocious grandsons. We are convinced that one will become a politician and he already has my vote.
Cell phones have progressed from being a welcomed convenience to a necessity. We rely on our phones to make calls, pay bills, get directions and to take notes. Additionally, our cell phones are now a primary mode of entertainment.
The American Psychological Association assesses and evaluates stress Americans experience via its Stress in America™ survey. The focus of Part 2 of the 2017 survey was on the effects of technology and social media use to one’s mental and physical health, well-being and social relationships.
The survey showed, nearly all adults (99 percent) own at least one electronic device (including a television). Almost nine in 10 (86 percent) own a computer, 74 percent own an internet-connected smartphone and 55 percent own a tablet.
Two categories of technology users were determined, the “constant checkers” and “those often connected.” Eighty-six percent of Americans admitted to constantly or often checking emails, texts or social media accounts.
The survey asked questions related to how employees check emails, texts or social media accounts during typical workdays and typical non-workdays. Those who constantly check reported a greater average level of stress than colleagues who checked less frequently. Employees who checked work email on non-workdays reported experiencing much greater overall stress.
Constant checkers report feeling more stress from political and cultural discussions on social media than those who check less frequently. They also admit to worrying that social media will have a negative effect on their physical and mental health. To add to the struggle, relationships suffer. Constant checkers report feeling disconnected and less likely to meet with family or friends due to social media.
Here is a challenge for hardworking professionals who want to be happy. Try one of the following and let me know how you felt. At first, you might feel more stressed, but give yourself some time to adjust.
Silence your phone
No, really silence your phone. Turn off all sounds and notification signals. I know some of you may say that you need to hear the specific tone of your Ring doorbell, or you hear the notification that your child made it to school. I get it! Try silencing your phone for a sort amount of time, say 10 minutes and then build up. You will be more productive and better able to focus on your task if you do not have that distraction.
Schedule time for voicemails and emails
Check voicemails and emails at a designated time. Allow your phone calls to go to voicemail unless you are in a position that requires immediate action while at work. Set designated times to check and return those calls or emails. Limiting the number of times, you check will help you to avoid the jokes, funny stories, or videos your colleagues enjoy passing around.
Leave your phone
Finally, leave your phone in your car, purse or pocket while you eat your meal. Talk and laugh with your friend and give them your full attention. It will be refreshing and like reaching an oasis. If that is not enough to encourage you to put the phone away while you are eating, remember that scientists at the University of Arizona found that cell phones are 10 times dirtier than toilet seats.
I invite you to join me as I take a journey toward purpose, peace, prosperity and power. I have re-introduced the Morning Moments on Instagram. Download your free copy of Stress is Personal the ebook that talks about the strain that stress creates on a professional’s life. If you have not listened to Get Through the Day Without Losing it, feel free to download it. I will introduce an expanded version soon.