Digital Detox

A mounting body of scientific research is confirming what we already know: Facebook, Twitter, Skype, emails, texts and 24/7 connectivity is taking a toll on our health. Americans are more stressed, exhausted, distracted, impatient and forgetful than ever before.

1. 84 percent of respondents said that they could not go a single day without their cellphones.

2. 50 percent of Americans sleep with their phone next to them like a teddy bear or a spouse, a number that includes more than 80 percent of 18-24 year olds.

3. 20 percent of respondents check their phone every 10 minutes.

A growing number of travel companies are offering digital detox getaways, kind of a forced time-out for those who are perpetually plugged-in. If you’re not ready for a week away from your smart phone, try taking some baby steps. Spend at least one day – maybe a Saturday or Sunday – offline, kind of like a technology Shabbat. Shut off your phone and web-enabled devices at 9:00PM every night. Leave your phone in the car, at home or out of reach while eating, watching a movie or spending time with your kids. You’ll have more peace of mind and be more productive when you eventually power-up.