Today's tablets and smartphones allow you to take your work anywhere and everywhere, including your daily train commute or to the weekend sports field sidelines.  This ability to be permanently connected to the rest of the world has led to an "always available" mentality. How often do you stop something to check a message on your phone? Is your phone within reach during mealtimes and when you watch television? Is it the last thing you look at before sleeping and the first thing you check in the morning? Here are our top 5 tips for taking a break from your electronic world (and most likely your work!):

1. Start your day, then your phone: Does your morning routine consist of waking up, checking your phone and then getting out of bed?  Start your day before you start your phone. Enjoy some time to yourself before opening your brain to the interruptions of the outside world. This is especially important if you have breakfast with other family members. Checking your email can help you to plan your day, but see if you can fit in a shower and a coffee before switching to thoughts of your schedule.  

2. Leave it behind: It may be too difficult to go one entire day without your phone, especially a working day, but do you really need it in your hand every minute? When you have a mental break and step away from your computer, leave your phone at your desk too. Tell your colleagues that you'll be back in ten minutes and go for a walk without your electronic device. Calls can all be returned when you're back at your desk.