CONNECT WITH OTHERS MICROSTEPS

When you’re with friends, make unplugging into a game.

Having dinner with friends? Try the“phone stacking game.” Put your phones in the middle of the table. Whoever looks first picks up the check!

Put your phone away when you are spending time with family and friends.

Whether it’s dinner at home with your kids or out with friends, putting your device down allows you to be fully present in the moment and meaningfully connect with others.

Each day, make a connection with someone you normally take for granted.

It might be the checkout clerk, the cleaning crew at your office or hotel, or the barista in the coffee shop. You'll show kindness and boost your mood by starting a conversation, saying hello, or even just smiling.

Once a day, have a conversation where you mostly listen.

Don’t underestimate the power of silence. Instead of giving your opinion or changing the subject, invite the other person to go deeper. Start by asking probing questions.

Turn a digital exchange into an in-person conversation.

Instead of emailing, walk over to your colleague's desk, or suggest a short walk. When you get to know your co-workers as people instead of just names in your inbox, you’ll build trust and camaraderie.

Spend time focusing on another person, even if you’re busy.

Helping, listening, or simply being present for someone else can benefit both you and whoever you’re helping. Research shows that when we spend time on others, our sense of our own time actually expands.

For your next "one-on-one," suggest a walking meeting.

Instead of meeting in a stale conference room, walk side by side with a colleague. You’ll be less likely to peek at your devices, and the movement will get the creative, problem-solving juices flowing.