UNPLUG & RECHARGE MICROSTEPS

Charge your devices outside your bedroom for a better night’s sleep.

Our phones are repositories of everything we need to put away so we can sleep: our to-do lists, our inboxes, multiple projects and problems.

When you wake up, don’t start your day by looking at your phone.

Instead, take at least one minute to breathe deeply or set your intentions for the day.

Put away your phone and look up while commuting or running errands.

Unplugging while on the move will help you connect with people, sights and scenes around you — and take stock of what you’re grateful for.

At least once every hour, rest your eyes by looking away from screens.

Give your eyes a break by pausing to look away into the distance. You’ll also ease the strain on your neck and shoulders. Do some stretches at your desk while you're at it.

Take a daily “tech time out” to improve your focus and reduce stress.

Set aside time to step away from social media and email so you can truly connect with yourself and your loved ones.

Turn off all notifications, except from those who need to reach you.

The more our phone buzzes at us, the more it conditions us to release cortisol, “the stress hormone.”

Do an audit of the apps on your phone’s home screen to reduce distractions.

Take just a few minutes to determine which apps you really need to access. Only keep “tools” that add value — not apps designed to consume too much of your attention.