We are a connected society. Sometimes I wonder if productivity in the workplace suffers because of the “connectivity” of the modern workforce. Technology is designed to make us better at multitasking, but has it actually had the opposite outcome? The non-stop deluge of emails, tweets, texts, instant messages and social media status updates make it impossible to disconnect, unplug and unwind. It’s an addiction.

You can be much more productive if you intentionally and strategically unplug for a period each day. Becoming intentional about disconnecting accomplished three things.

1. Refreshes, rejuvenates and refocuses your mind. When you are always engaged without a break it begins to wear on your mental sharpness. Taking a break from the constant flow of information will allow you to clear your mind. When your mind is clear you make better decisions, think long term rather than short term and view things with a fresh perspective.
2. Gives you an opportunity to connect with people “in real life”. Time spent engaged with your smart phone, tablet or in front of a computer; while it seems like solid interaction, actually makes you less social. You become fatigued and feel like you are “on” all of the time. It gives you a false sense of human connection. Taking a break from the digital form of interaction will give you more time to be social in real life with people face to face. You can use the time reconnect on a personal level with those around you.
3. Allow’s greater attention on individual tasks. You’re great at multitasking. Great. Most people are these days. If your excellent at juggling multiple things at once, imagine how much better you will be able to complete a single task with that kind of experience. Removing the distractions can’t hurt, it can only help.

Disconnecting is hard. It will take an effort on your part and just like with any addiction you will have withdrawals. The good news is the rewards outweigh the perceived inconvenience. Try it. You might like it. What do you have to lose?