I am plugged in most of the day during the week. As a person with dual careers, Writer/Blogger and Information Technologist, both require an extensive use of technology to stay “in the loop” and current. I use a shoulder tote and a rolling bag to carry my personal IPhone, IPAD, company cell phone and laptop with me every day to stay plugged in. I use lunch breaks, waits in doctor’s/dentist’s offices, and stints under the hair dryer to catch up on email, jot down notes for the next blog post, or edit one of my novel scenes.
My plugged out time usually starts on Thursdays close to the weekend. I do consciously start unwinding from the week by shutting off my devices earlier on that day. Most Fridays, early evening, I meet with a friend at Starbuck’s to do language exchange. I am practicing Spanish and she is perfecting her English so we gossip in one of the languages or both over coffee. On the weekends, I do plug in for a 2-3 hour period each day but usually I am attending a social event or totally relaxing at home with a good book or movie. I consciously plan to spend a large chunk of my weekend time totally unplugged. This is the only way I can rejuvenate for the upcoming week.