Hey! It’s time to hit the pause button and take a breather. Trust me, spending endless hours glued to your screen isn’t the healthiest choice, and it can actually be risky for your career too!

Let’s face it: long hours of internet and computer usage bring more negatives than positives for professionals. The constant influx of information and the lightning-fast pace of the world can be overwhelming and stress-inducing. It sets unrealistic expectations that are nearly impossible to meet. And trust me, that can lead to heavier workloads, increased stress, and difficulties in disconnecting from work responsibilities.

So, if you find yourself ticking off a lot of boxes below, 

• 📱 Constant distractions and notifications
• ⏳ Work that never seems to get done
• ⏰ Hours slipping away unnoticed
• 🌍 Falling out of touch with many people
• 😩 Tired, heavy, and itchy eyes

Then it’s time for a change.

In the long run, excessive screen time at work can take a toll on your mental health and lead to burnout. That’s why it’s crucial to take a step back and look in a different direction.

Digital detox is all about intentionally disconnecting from your digital devices and reducing your reliance on technology. It means stepping away from screens like smartphones, laptops, and tablets and engaging in activities that promote relaxation, mindfulness, and face-to-face interactions.

A digital detox can take many forms. Either you can plug out totally or get there bit by bit. The key is to set boundaries for internet and technology usage and stick to them honestly. And while you are at it, there’s so much more that you can do. 

Discover and engage in activities that don’t require screens. Read books, go for walks or hikes, practice mindfulness or meditation, pursue hobbies, spend time with loved ones, or engage in physical exercise. Take time to reflect on your digital habits and their impact on your well-being.

Now, I understand that breaking away from everything can be pretty challenging. That’s why we should start slow. Begin with shorter digital detox periods and gradually increase their length. It helps you adjust to the experience and assess its impact on your well-being and productivity. With time, you can incorporate longer detox periods into your routine.

It’s important to understand why we get trapped in the internet spiral. Often, it’s a form of escapism. The never-ending workload and constant pressure push us to the point where we want to leave it all behind, even if we can’t.

But the root cause lies in unhealthy expectations in the workplace. Expectations aren’t just imposed by others; we often set them for ourselves too. A competitive environment constantly pushes us to outperform others and set new standards. However, this environment isn’t just motivating—it can also be detrimental in many ways: 

• 😥 Constant pressure to meet unattainable goals or work unreasonable hours can lead to physical and mental exhaustion
• 😣 Unhealthy expectations can demoralize team members and negatively impact their motivation
• 🙁 They can create a culture of self-interest and undermine cooperation, leading to silos, communication breakdowns, and a lack of trust among team members

That’s why managers need to ensure that their expectations for their team and themselves are within human capacity. Want to test your expectation-setting skills? Take a free assessment to see if you’re hitting the mark. It will help you understand and overcome the hurdles that are creating untenable situations for your team. 

In the end, remember that growth doesn’t have to come at the expense of your health and peace of mind. Setting good traditions and examples begins with a single step, and sometimes that step can be a much-needed break. 

Constant professional challenges like these leave little room for learning and development amidst tight schedules. Risely offers a break from this hither-thither run with its bite-sized nudges that push you toward growth at your own pace. Sign up today to start achieving your goals.