Disconnect to Reconnect

I’m inviting you to join me in a detox — not an “I-ate-too-much-turkey” cleanse, but an “I-spend-way-too-much-time-on-my-phone” purge.

Sadly, the very devices meant to connect us have become the great divide. Research shows that constantly checking and responding to texts and posts tricks our brains into thinking we’re being productive — and releases dopamine, that feel-good hormone that keeps us coming back for more (even when it’s not exactly good for us).

I believe it’s time to disconnect to reconnect. With anxiety and depression on the rise, it’s a clear sign something’s amiss. According to longevity experts, the number one key to a long, healthy life is social connection. The famous Blue Zones all have that in common, while diet and movement (aka exercise — and not the gym kind, but outdoor, daily physical activity) vary by region.

Having people in our lives gives us meaning. Working together toward a common goal makes the journey interesting — and if we open our hearts and minds, even enjoyable.

Another by-product of less screen time? Creativity. Taking a stroll — and literally stopping to smell the roses — frees our minds to wander. Often, that’s when we find solutions to problems that have been plaguing us or stumble upon ideas worth pursuing.

This Thanksgiving, I was truly thankful that adults, young and old, had genuine conversations. No one was glued to their phone. No one was taking endless selfies that — let’s be honest — don’t make memorable memories.

At your next get-together, make a list and check it twice. If you know some of the folks on it tend to spend more time on their phones than in conversation, have those devices take a back seat. Invite everyone to put their phones away — maybe even use a phone basket for safekeeping.

You might get some pushback at first, but by the end of the night your guests will likely discover they have more in common than they thought — and who knows, new connections might just be forged.

Sometimes the best way to recharge is to unplug. Let’s bring back real connection — one conversation (and one less notification) at a time.

I’d love to know — how do you plan to disconnect to reconnect this week?