Learn How to Disconnect

One of the most consulted topics relates to technology and our relationship with it in daily life. Nobody can deny that the contributions of technology have allowed to raise our quality of life through the development of fields such as medicine, industry and communications. And while communications have evolved so much that it is now very easy to stay in touch with family and friends who live far away from us, with the "socialization" of the communications we have lost direct communication with those around us. Just take a look at a familiar scene today and see that many times we meet, but do not share.

Much blame is in our dependence on smartphones and gadgets. They make life easier, but have turn us into information zombies. Just listening to the sound of an incoming message or seeing the flashing red light, and we hurry to pick up the phone and respond immediately. Our conditioning is such that we even feel discomfort or anxiety when we can not answer, and we will not rest easy until we read the message and send the response. The device that is supposed to make us more efficient in managing our time has turned us addicted to information.

Is ok that social networks have become an integral part of our lives, but in some cases they have even come to control them. We are now talking about personality disorders of social networks, or addiction to them, a phenomenon that is more frequent and intense in young people between 16 and 24 years. Also important is the role of this addiction to social networks in high levels of fatigue and stress derived therefrom. It is very easy to lose track of time and spend more than necessary responding messages or finding out about the lives of others. That very human dcuriosity is leading us to lose control of our time, space and relationships.

At work we have lost control of our working hours. We no longer know the difference between being in the office or at home, and is because these devices have made us hyperefficient. But beware, do not confuse this term with super efficiency, as excessive attention to issues of work outside working hours not only distance us from our loved ones, but also is a major cause of self-inflicted fatigue. This fatigue will make us much less efficient, because sooner or later we will become chronically tired and will lose the ability to concentrate and make good decisions.

As for the family scene, everyone is aware of what is happening in its own social cyberworld, but we stop paying attention to what happens in front of us. A dinner or family event, important time to communicate and learn from the experiences of each member of our family, has become a gathering of people scattered on different frequencies, exchanging monosyllables or limited information, or simply not communicating in any way. This is a major threat to our family life, and you have to set limits before this situation affects the quality of our relationships.

We have to manage our relationship with technology and keep the smartphones, tablets, computers, video games and other artifacts out of our family life. This is achieved only by being aware of the danger we run by not knowing how to disconnect, and putting in place clear rules on the use of them. Here are some ideas:

• Placing limits on the use of television, video games or computer. A good range is two hours per day.
• Avoid our dependence on e-mail or instant messaging, scheduling our phones to not receive messages out of office hours or weekends, or turning them off until the next day if they are not our primary means of communication.
• Set rules about using them on the table, but they really should not be allowed. A good tip is to buy a basket and make "collection" of phones before sitting at the table, unable to take them until all have risen from it. That way all will enjoy a nice meal, and a great conversation.
• Be an example to our children, not using mobiles when we are with them and giving them our full attention. We must be clear that is not only to spend time with them, but to give them our time, share with them and especially be interested in what they want to say. The report to the boss or manager can always wait to be send on Monday.
• Not allowing technology and gadgets infer in our relationships, learning not to depend on them and knowing to keep them in place. Remember, a story of the social network will never be more important or interesting than the one your child, parent or spouse is telling you.

We must learn to disconnect, to place ourselves in the situation and space, and to devote time to what is really important and rewarding in our lives. Let our children spend less time in front of a game console and more in the park or outdoors, playing games that made us so happy in the past. Let's go back to the family space, and learn that technology is there to help us and make our lives easier, not to interfere in our relationships and isolate ourselves from our loved ones.

Let's spend a happy week ... and a beautiful disconnected weekend...