Digital time-outs for more concentration and energy
The everyday lives of many managers are characterised by constant availability and digital stimuli. This constant strain often leads to stress and a lack of concentration. That's why digital detox tips help managers to take targeted breaks and be more aware of how they use technology. Managers use such impulses to reduce pressure and maintain mental freshness.
A first, simple digital detox tip is to switch off push notifications on all devices. This avoids constant interruptions and allows you to concentrate better. It also makes sense to consciously avoid using digital devices before starting the working day in order to start the day with more mindfulness. This strategy makes it easier to manage your attention and work in a more focussed way.
Firmly anchor digital offline times in the calendar
It is important to have clear time slots in which no digital devices are used. These can be deliberately scheduled breaks or entire offline meetings in which the team can exchange ideas without a screen or smartphone. Such times create space for concentrated work and genuine interpersonal encounters, which are often neglected in everyday digital life.
Setting up screen-free zones - for example in the office or at home - can also have a supportive effect. Switching off smartphones in the bedroom or meeting room helps to promote mental relaxation or intensive team discussions.
Best practice at company XYZ (name changed due to NDA contract)
BEST PRACTICE at company XYZ: The team regularly introduces a "no-meeting day" without digital devices. On these days, the focus is on analogue communication and creative work. Managers report significantly higher levels of concentration and a more relaxed working atmosphere, which in turn has a positive impact on productivity.
Analogue methods as a balance to the digital
In addition to digital time-outs, analogue tools are helpful in organising work. Handwritten notebooks or classic to-do lists on paper help you to focus and reduce screen time. In addition, analogue methods enable a conscious approach to tasks and thus increase self-awareness and structure in the daily routine.
This approach is particularly beneficial for managers who frequently switch back and forth between digital tools and communication channels through multitasking. Consciously switching off helps to maintain mental performance in the long term.
Best practice at company XYZ (name changed due to NDA contract)
BEST PRACTICE at company XYZ: In project management, handwritten notes are used instead of digital task lists to reduce screen time. Managers report that this allows them to organise their thoughts more clearly and capture creative ideas more effectively.
Consciously control and limit digital communication
A key digital detox tip is to standardise the use of emails and messengers. Instead of being permanently available, it is advisable to set fixed times, e.g. to check emails twice a day. This minimises the constant stimulus for distraction. Managers report how this rule reduces mental pressure and increases concentration on important tasks.
In addition, the conscious separation of work and leisure devices helps to organise recovery phases more clearly. Silencing the company mobile phone after work or consciously putting it aside creates space for relaxation and mental regeneration.
Best practice at company XYZ (name changed due to NDA contract)
BEST PRACTICE at company XYZ: Managers are encouraged to only process emails at set times. All notifications are deactivated between these phases. Feedback shows that this reduces stress and important projects are completed with higher quality.
Use digital fasting days and conscious time-outs
Another effective digital detox tip is to go on a complete digital fast on set days each week. These digital fasting days offer space to clear your head, gain new perspectives and recharge your energy levels. Such conscious time-outs help to reflect on digital dependencies and rethink the way we use technology.
In everyday working life, this strategy can be supplemented by offline workshops or creative phases, for example. This is where managers and teams meet away from digital media and create space for innovation and team cohesion.
Strengthen presence and clarity with digital self-management
Last but not least, digital detox tips strengthen personal self-management. Those who consciously manage their digital usage retain control over their time and energy. Managers use this to be more present, work in a more focussed way and have a more balanced approach to their professional life. Clear rules and routines for everyday digital life provide orientation and create long-term sustainability in dealing with technology.
Best practice at company XYZ (name changed due to NDA contract)
BEST PRACTICE at company XYZ: The company offers workshops on digital self-management. Managers learn how to manage their screen time and consciously plan regular offline phases. The result is more focus and a significantly less stressful way of working.
Further links from the text above:
[1] Digital detox tips: How decision-makers lead successfully offline
[2] The best digital detox tips for decision-makers and managers
[3] Digital detox tips: How managers really stay ...
[4] Digital detox for managers - Alexandra Salker
[5] Digital detox in everyday working life: Why breaks are important - Sellwerk
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