Ours is a world of instant gratification. People have become spoiled by it. There are even jokes about the four basic food groups now being “fast”, “instant”, “microwave”, and “take-out”. The pace of life is fast and constant connectivity is unhealthy.

I see people everywhere talking on cell phones. I even saw a guy in an outdoor recreation area talking business on his cell phone while his wife and children followed him up the trail in one of my favorite hiking spots. Hang it up, buddy!

If you take a day to unwind in nature’s playground, for your own health and well-being, either leave the cell phone at home, or take it for emergency use only and keep it turned OFF unless and until the need arises. Forget about business.

Working hard is good for you, but playing hard is vital for your physical and mental health. You need to unplug and unwind. Instant availability is not always a good thing. Remember this:  You have an incoming telephone call. That doesn’t mean that you have to answer it. You need to guard your play time.

Many business coaches will tell you that you must “learn to say no”. You must also set limitations in business. Learn to not answer your phone or turn it off when you are not working. That time is yours.