Why Unplugging is 100% Necessary for Your Small Business

Have you taken a moment to unplug lately?

I spent a significant part of School Holidays with my small family, away from my business’ social media and emails. This detachment from screens (mostly!) is crucial for small business owners to step back from technology and being 24/7 available to emails and messages, and reconnect with what truly matters for your goals outside of your business financials and achievements.

For me, that’s more time with my family, and less time burnt out and stressed. But what is unplugging?

What Does Unplugging Mean?

Unplugging involves stepping away from screens and technology to focus on the things that bring you joy and fulfilment—whether that’s spending time with family, enhancing your wellbeing, nurturing your creativity, or finding a better work-life balance.

For many of us, it can feel challenging to completely disconnect from all devices. That’s why I interpret unplugging also as taking a break from apps and software too, such as business emails, digital design work, website management, and business social media interactions. I absolutely needed to text my family and use Google Maps while enjoying holidays in South East Queensland!

If I can manage to unplug from emails, social media, websites, and design work for two weeks, I believe you can do it too.

Why Unplugging is Essential for Small Business Owners

1. Boost Your Creativity

Taking a break from screens can open the door to fresh ideas and innovative solutions for your business. When we step away from the digital world, we often find ourselves tapping into offline hobbies that we might have neglected due to the constant pull of online distractions. Unplugging allows your mind to wander freely and creatively, and even be bored. Boredom is important – but quite a privilege nowadays too.

2. Improve Mental Health

Disconnecting from technology can significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels. Social media often triggers feelings of comparison and FOMO (fear of missing out), and being on the ball with customer messages, tracking updates and not losing response time percentages that some of our apps and programs calculate – which can be overwhelming for many people. By taking a step back, you can recharge personally and focus on what really matters.

3. Achieve Family/Work Balance

Did you know that over 75% of the time we spend with our children happens when they’re under 12?

Unplugging gives us the opportunity to be fully present with our families. These moments are fleeting, and making the effort to disconnect from work allows us to cherish and enjoy quality time with loved ones. It’s also one of my goals with my own Creative Web Studio business that it allows me to be more present for my kid, and that my business works around my lifestyle (as much as I can control it!).

4. Prevent Burnout

Taking a break now can help you avoid burnout later on. The majority of burnout occurs when we start losing rest and leisure time to increasing work and domestic activities time. The end of the year brings a rush of activity too with events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas holiday sales. By prioritising rest now, you set yourself up to handle these busy times more effectively without feeling overwhelmed.

The Importance of Taking Breaks

It’s easy to find ourselves spending countless hours glued to screens without any breaks. Such habits can lead to stress, overwhelm, and even physical health issues as well as mental ones. As someone who loves technology and works online and with tech all the time, I understand the allure of constant connectivity! However, I’ve also learned that taking time to unplug is essential for maintaining my mental and emotional wellbeing over the years. I burnt out quickly as a teen and in my 20s, so my aim for my 30s is to reduce this stress because my body is not recovering as quickly as it used to when I get rundown and stressed!

Tech-Free Activities to Try

If you’re unsure how to start unplugging, here are seven tech-free activities you can try for short stints of putting your phone away, and bonus, these are kid friendly too:

• Mini golf
• Swimming or a beach trip
• Walking or exercising
• Reading or visiting the library
• Writing, drawing or painting
• Riding a scooter, skateboard, or bike
• Resting and relaxing

Additional Resources for Small Business Owners

When you’re not unplugging, remember that there are many free resources available to support your entrepreneurial journey:

• How Do I Start My Small Business Website?
• How Trustworthy is Your Website (and You)?
• 5 Free Creative Tools for Small Business Owners
• Instagram SEO for Small Business Owners plus 50 Free Social Media Content Prompts
• Fix Your Facebook Page URL and Set Username

In conclusion, taking time to unplug is not just beneficial but necessary for your small business. Embrace the opportunity to disconnect and focus on what truly matters in your life.

You’ll return rejuvenated, with fresh perspectives and renewed energy for your entrepreneurial journey!

Do you unplug regularly in your businesss and life?

Share in the comments below.