EAP: Wellness Wednesday

[Kim McCoy Coleman]

Greetings friends and colleagues,

Have you phubbed <https://www.healthline.com/health/phubbing>someone lately
or been phubbed <https://www.healthline.com/health/phubbing> by someone?
Being snubbed by someone who favors their phone (or favoring your phone
over your partner, friends, or kids) can have negative consequences on our
mental health *and* our relationships.

If you are like me and find yourself spending way too much time in front of
a screen, then it might be a good idea for you to unplug for a bit and take
a break. While technology can be an incredibly useful tool, it is important
to keep in mind that too much screen time can take a toll on a person’s
mental and emotional well-being.

Try spending time away from your phone, computer, or TV and completely
unplug. Take a break from technology. Get out of the house and explore
nature. Read a book. Participate in an activity that you enjoy. Take the
time to unplug and unwind in order to connect with yourself and others.
Remember, technology can be great, but too much of a good thing isn't
always a good thing!

While you are still plugged in, check out these online resources. But after
you're done, unplug and try to spend some time intentionally away from all
technology.

Resources and Links:

Try out cooking a new recipe <https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/> for
dinner or try your hand at baking. Cooking and baking are excellent ways to
unplug from technology and get creative in the kitchen. Try getting out of
the house by going to a museum
<https://www.clintoncountygov.com/historian/museums-clinton-county> (don't
forget our very own art museum
<https://www.plattsburgh.edu/plattslife/arts/art-museum/index.html>) or take
your kids for a day out with the family
<https://www.familydaysout.com/kids-things-to-do-usa/plattsburgh/ny>and try
one of these activities in the Plattsburgh area. The important thing is
being able to unplug from technology and spend time with the people (or
animals) that you love. How about taking a walk with the dog(s) or a friend
around the neighborhood, to a park, or try out one of the many dogs on
leash trails <https://www.alltrails.com/us/new-york/plattsburgh/dogs-leash>in
the Plattsburgh area.

Other ideas would be to do something creative or something to expand your
mind, such as doing a word search or puzzle. These are just some examples
of the many things we can do to step away from technology and toward a
better sense of well-being. Some say we should unplug for 1 day a week
<https://www.forbes.com/sites/meimeifox/2019/09/24/8-reasons-why-you-should-unplug-one-day-a-week/?sh=7ec9428c1b79>
 If even the thought of that makes you twitch, start slow and work your way
up. If you are curious about the full range of benefits, check out the
book 24/6:
The Power of Unplugging One Day a Week.
<https://www.amazon.com/24-Power-Unplugging-One-Week/dp/1982116862>

Life can seem to pass us by at warp speed and technology can have a lot to
do with that. If you enjoy unplugging, perhaps consider other ways you may
slow things down a bit. The slow living movement
<https://slowlivingldn.com/what-is-slow-living/> supports the idea of
putting our most important priorities at the center of our lives. Adopting
a slower mindset helps us to switch off autopilot and to make space for
reflection and self-awareness.

Wishing you time and space to slow down where there are
no electrical outlets to be found.

Be well,
Kim McCoy Coleman
eap at plattsburgh.edu
518.569.4230

*Kim McCoy Coleman, LMSW-ATR*

Assistant Professor of Social Work

Preferred Pronouns: she/her (why
<https://www.glsen.org/sites/default/files/GLSEN%20Pronouns%20Resource.pdf>)


SUNY Plattsburgh

Department of Social Work

112-A Ward Hall

101 Broad Street
<https://maps.google.com/?q=101+Broad+Street+Plattsburgh,+NY+12901&entry=gmail&source=g>

Plattsburgh, NY 12901
<https://maps.google.com/?q=101+Broad+Street+Plattsburgh,+NY+12901&entry=gmail&source=g>

(o) 518-564-2163

(c) 518-569-4230

*plattsburgh.edu <http://plattsburgh.edu/>*
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