Day of Unplugging
Unplug? From my computer? From my phone?
Yes!
But I have work. I have a social life. I have to get back to people and people need to reach me. I need to be entertained and provide entertainment. There are so many reasons why I cannot unplug for one day.
All of these feel like very valid reasons to stay connected through our phones and/or computers. However, unless you are closing a huge business deal, putting the phone down for one day is something you can and should do. If you are responsible for others, say kids, you can set your phone to only allow certain numbers to ring through to you so you can be notified if there is an emergency or you can pick a weekend day when they are with you so you can turn it off all together.
Being overly connected through our phones also can have some serious negative consequences- higher stress levels, sleep disturbances, and stealing our attention away from important things, just to name a few. This is according to the American Psychological Association in an article that was recently published on the pros and cons of cell phone use. In fact, there are many cites and sources that repeat the same warnings, including Forbes.
Research shows there are a number of benefits to unplugging. Thankfully, both sources provide helpful reasons we should unplug. Unplugging from our phones, even for one day, can provide us with better sleep, better focus and productivity, less depression and anxiety, improved relationships, rewiring of your brain in positive ways, and improved health (did you know there is an injury called text neck?). To me, these all sound pretty good!
Now, how do you unplug from technology when conducting a job search and that is done virtually all online?
I think that’s a great question.
Network. In person.
Below are a number of ways you can network in person so you can continue your job search as well as a few extra ways to decompress from technology that have nothing to do with your career search but are helpful nonetheless.
Attend an in-person career fair
Attend an in-person networking event
Meet with former colleagues from your area for coffee to network together
Meet new people/contacts through others by hosting a small gathering at your home
Attend an in-person seminar or training in your field
Meet with people on your LinkedIn network who work in your career field at a local coffee shop or library (set this up in advance)
Have a lunch date with colleagues in the industry
Join a club that has a focus tied to your career interests (try meetup)
Attend alumni events in your area
Join relevant associations that have regular meetings in your area
Volunteer (this could be in your career field or not, either way you will make new connections)
Send snail mail thank you notes!
Go for a walk or a run
Do yoga
Give yourself an ear massage
Go to your favorite place and just sit for 30 minutes to enjoy the view
Read a book
Go out and enjoy nature
The benefits of unplugging are huge! Take a day, it doesn’t have to be today because likely today is already part of the way over, and put your phone away. There are plenty of other things to do out there to continue your job search and help you find a job without being attached to a device. Or, do something different all together.
I hope you’ve found this helpful. If you are looking for more information, please visit my website- Higher & Hire. If I can be of assistance to you, please reach out to me here.
Many Thanks!
Valerie Palmer
Career and College Admissions Expert
