I spent most of the past week away from the constant dopamine drip of checking email and text messages. It was agonizing at times but the result was a reset of the need to check whether things are burning to the ground right now (they most often aren’t).

I still did check my email but it was a batch check once or twice a day. I also used my phone to take photos and watched a show or two — as well as used Google Maps while driving.

A few interesting observations:

• Sleeping well manifests itself as being really tired towards bedtime. I literally had to drag myself into bed.
• A little goes a long way. A few focused minutes of email response is significantly more effective than having a constant dribble of information.
• We all need technology breaks and we need to deal with our own technology habits better. The focus for this month is… focus.