In today’s age of constant connectivity, it can be difficult to disconnect and unwind. We’re always available to anyone and everyone, and while this can be good, it can also be a liability when we’re trying to relax by ourselves or spend time with our families. It’s important to find a balance between staying connected and disconnecting from time to time, in order to lead a healthy and well-rounded life.
It’s important to disconnect from work when you’re spending time with your kids. If you work outside the home, you might feel like you have to be available to your job all the time. But your children need your attention, and they deserve to have your undivided attention when you’re with them. Make sure you schedule some time every week when you can be completely present with your kids, without having to worry about work.
And when you do have free time, try to spend that with your kids. Whether it is reading a book together, playing at the park, or baking cookies, if you are spending time with your child, give her your undivided attention.
If you are a stay-at-home mom, you still may have times when your cell phone rings, and you are tempted to take time away from your child. Or you might feel the need to check your email often. But try to resist those urges and enjoy the special moments with your little one.
It might be helpful to set some designated times for chatting with friends or planning PTO meetings with colleagues, and other times when you’re unavailable.
Each day, turn off your cell phone, or silence it at the very least, and take a couple of hours away from the computer. Use this time to talk, play, read, exercise, plant flowers or do anything else together with your loved ones. The goal is to spend time together without unnecessary interruptions.
As a busy woman, it’s important to schedule some time for yourself every now and then. Whether it’s going for a morning walk or jog, or taking a few minutes of peace when the kids are napping, carving out some time in your day to do something solely for you is crucial.
During this time, make sure to disconnect from technology as well. Let the calls go to voicemail, don’t check email, and step away from social media. This break from the constant pings and notifications will help you recharge and come back feeling refreshed.
In this time of advanced technology, it’s easy to get caught up in the never-ending flow of communication. To be connected in every way can have its benefits, but it can also take a big bite out of the time you spend focusing on yourself or your children.
It’s important not to cheat your family out of some special time with you. The moments you take with your kids now, while they are young, will always be remembered and appreciated. The moments you take for yourself are no less valuable; they give you a chance to catch your breath.
