6 Legit Reasons To Turn off Your Phone

Your family needs you, and when it's family time, let's encourage each other to really be there and not distracted.   This post is dedicated to turning off the phone during business hours.  Yes, business hours because connectivity comes with a price, and sometimes it's not worth it.   I'm not saying ditch your phone and play hooky.  I'm talking about six seriously legit reasons to turn your phone off at least a few times during the day.

1. You'll be more productive.

It sounds funny, but while it may seem that you’re multitasking with your smartphone glued to your palm, your brain isn’t actually following suit.  When you’re zoned into your phone, other tasks will fall by the wayside. How many dings do you hear during the day?  Ever feel like the phone needs more attention than a newborn baby?  I'll turn my phone off or put it on silent so I can focus.  I shut off all apps, and social so my focus stays 100% on task, and it really works.

2. Human connections matter.

Whether you have a spouse, children, a roommate, or close entourage—human connections matter. No one likes to be on the other side of a phone zombie. It’s rude. I know I can get wrapped up in a social media feed and not even realize that I am completely ignoring another person. I know because I’ve been the phone zombie on many occasions. That’s why I instituted a new rule in our family: all phones must be turned off for meal times and special family times so that there’s no temptation to check inbox or notifications.

3. You’ll be more professional.

In meetings, I expect phones to be turned off.  You probably know why if you’ve found yourself tuning out an uninteresting speaker and instead browsing your phone. This type of distraction is not only unprofessional, but inconsiderate. Know when to turn your phone off: during a business meeting, a movie, dinner in a restaurant, your child’s music program, etc. Put yourself in the other person’s shoes. How would you feel if you spent time planning an important presentation only to have the audience immersed in their phones?

4. You will actually be a better leader.

You’ve heard of helicopter parenting? How about helicopter management? Being available every second of every day does your employees no favors. They will come to rely on you for every decision and every question. Turning your phone off will actually help your employees become more self-sufficient and you will be a better leader by empowering them to make important decisions.

5. You’ll have an easier time falling asleep and staying asleep.

I'll admit that I take my phone into the bedroom at night.  I have set a rule to only look at certain sites though.  Have you ever gotten into the “only 5 more minutes” excuse to find out it's been over an hour?  Set rules.  My husband can't look at the phone before bed.  He can't fall asleep.  Me on the other hand, I fall asleep before my head hits the pillow.  I am just trying to ensure that hitting the pillow happens around the same time each night.   Set your phone boundaries and stick to them!

6. You’ll get your best ideas when it’s off.

My best ideas usually come at the most random times, like when I’m driving the kids to soccer practice or chopping veggies for tonight’s stir fry. Turn your phone off and give your brain a chance to well…brainstorm. Like a toddler, your mind can seriously benefit from some quiet time. Your greatest idea yet may be waiting for you to push the off button.

In today’s world fueled by connectivity, take a break every now and then. Turn your phone off. Breathe. Bake a soufflé, take a walk, or do yoga. You’ll be a better person and a better boss for it.