Boston Centerless - Precision Matters Magazine Boston Centerless Precision Matters Summer 2019 | Page 15

UNPLUG TO RECHARGE
DOES UNPLUGGING
TO RECHARGE
REALLY WORK?
BY: MELISSA WELDON
THE MODERN world of technology
can be overwhelming at times with
information overload hitting you from
every direction. So it’s no surprise that
there’s a growing trend to unplug with
the intention of being able to properly
recharge.
In theory, this sounds like a no-brainer.
However, not everyone agrees that
unplugging is a good idea if you want to
relax. Some suggest that the worry about
what might be happening or what you
may be missing while you’re unplugged is
counterproductive. Here we take a closer
look at whether unplugging to recharge is
worth the hype.
The Concept
Also known as a digital detox,
unplugging to recharge is all about
taking a much-needed break from your
devices and giving yourself a proper rest
from the constant flow of information
without the incessant interruptions
that a network of devices can bring.
Without ongoing notifications and
communications from work and the
outside world, you will be free to really
engage in the moment and relax. However,
in some cases, the anxiety of anticipating
the phone to ring, ping, or chime may
prevent you from truly unwinding.
Does It Work?
Not everyone is a believer in the
concept, and some critics go as far as to
say that it can be counterproductive. They
note that if all you do when you switch
off your phone is worry about what you
might be missing, you may as well just stay
plugged in. The benefits to your mental health and
well-being cannot be overstated and will
give you the chance to experience an
uninterrupted connection with both your
inner self and your loved ones.
Those who eschew the notion of
unplugging are, in general, successful
businesspeople who thrive on the buzz of
being on the cutting edge of developments.
They believe that the stress of being
bombarded when they return, and the
impact of being unavailable for key
clients, instantly wipes out any benefits
that may have been gained by unplugging
completely. The Overall Benefits
What critics don’t adequately factor
in is the benefits of returning from your
digital detox feeling recharged and ready
to go. Having some space to relax and
unwind doesn’t just help you personally,
it also allows you to return to the
workplace with a fresh mind and renewed
enthusiasm, ultimately helping to boost
your performance in the long run.
Instead, they advocate “low-voltage”
connections during family holidays and
personal time. This means still checking
e-mails and answering those which are
critical, thereby removing the stress of
worrying about what’s going on. Whether you’re for or against a digital
detox, the one thing everyone agrees on
is that if you want it to work, you have
to commit to being unplugged and relax
during the experience. Allow the silence to
wash over you and savor the peace. Only
then will unplugging to recharge really
give you the benefits you’re looking for.
Pulling the Plug
Although there may be a flood of
work waiting for you when you return, if
you’re organized enough to delegate and
communicate any upcoming absence,
there’s no reason why this shouldn’t be
manageable. The benefits of being totally
off-grid more than make up for catching
up with work when you return.
Unplugging doesn’t have to be for
extended periods to be beneficial. You
could unplug for a family holiday or go off-
grid to simply enjoy a night off to unwind.
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Melissa Weldon
Melissa Weldon is the Director of Human
Resources at Boston Centerless. Her 10 plus
years of HR experience was gained working in
various industries, such as, Healthcare, Food
Distribution, and Technology. Prior to joining
Boston Centerless, she worked for Markem-
Imaje Corporation and C&S Wholesale Grocers,
Inc. Melissa specializes in Organizational
Development, Integrations, and Building
Positive Company Culture and Engagement.