It's Time to Unplug!

DOES TECHNOLOGY CONSUME YOUR DAILY LIFE?

Today, it seems like technology consumes our daily lives. If you look around your office, I’m sure you’ll find that you spend more and more time on technology — from your phones and computers to intraoral scanners. At work, I’m always using technology with my digital equipment and design software, especially while fabricating cases for doctors.

But did you know that the use of technology while at work is on the rise? According to Zippia, there are 4.9 billion active users on the internet — that’s 62% of the world population! When looking at the U.S., 93% of Americans currently use the internet.

It’s mind-blowing to see how much technology plays a role in our daily lives. We continue to stay connected, using our phones, tablets, and computers daily, but some experts say we may rely too much on technology. There are other concerns as well. Our privacy and personal information could be infringed upon if we’re not careful about what and whom we allow to use and view our data. Furthermore, consistently using technology can cause hand, wrist, and forearm pain — and it could even create a social divide between our peers and us.

I try to find ways to disconnect from technology when I’m not at work. In honor of March 4 being the National Day of Unplugging, I wanted to share some strategies that have helped me distance myself from technology.

When I get home from work, I often leave my phone in the car. I want my family to have my full attention. Plus, I want to know how my wife’s and daughters’ days were. So, from when I get home until after dinner, my phone stays in the car. After my family and I eat dinner together, I will get my phone and touch base with everyone who reached out to me.

Another thing I like to do is not use my phone as an alarm clock to make sure my day starts off right. I found that controlling my morning when I first wake up instead of checking notifications on my phone after turning off the alarm sets up the rest of the day to be better. So, I now use an actual alarm clock to wake me up, and I don’t check my phone first thing in the morning.

As I disconnect more from technology, I now have more time to be present while spending time with my family and to focus on more important areas of my business. I’ve been able to review the monthly newsletter and check in with doctors to see if they enjoy reading them. Many of you have told me you love the newsletter and would like to continue getting them each month!

While we can’t disconnect from technology entirely, I encourage you to unplug from time to time — you’d be surprised by the many benefits you’ll experience.

But National Day of Unplugging isn’t the only celebration this month — my birthday is also in March! The only gift I want for my birthday is to give back to you by helping you to also have a great start to your day. The first 10 doctors to text me “Happy Birthday” will receive a FREE gift. Hint: it will energize you and give you an extra boost in the morning. Please, text me at 510-206-1689 for your chance to win!