The first commercial laptop computer was introduced in 1975. This portable computing device marked the end of the pure office environment and the beginning of the perpetually connected life that we experience today.

People are no longer required to be in the office to get their work done. The dividing line between home and work has begun to blur. Since the Internet became available in the 1990s, the proliferation of communication devices has exploded and connectivity has become the norm. Now cell phones have more computing power than the first laptops.

The levels of technology have risen to meet our insatiable demands for connectivity, productivity, and entertainment. Unfortunately, this has created a technology overload, or techno-stress. People have become used to being connected all the time and are struggling with the lack of downtime.

If you find yourself struggling, here are some simple ways to disconnect and relax:

Set boundaries for yourself and your family at home. If family interaction is lacking, set aside time, like the dinner hour or a game night during which no one can bring a device to the table. Phone calls ring through to voicemail, and the TV is off.

Set boundaries for yourself at work. Take breaks and get away from your computer every hour, even if it’s only 5 minutes. Walk around the office to get your blood pumping again, or take a few minutes more to walk outside, especially if you have access to green spaces. Studies show that connecting with nature, even for a short time, lowers blood pressure and reduces stress. Take a break at lunch and avoid eating at your desk or working through lunch. A big break in the middle of the day can help you get through the rest of the afternoon.

Make your connections personal. Don’t let email or instant messaging take the place of real, physical connections. Of course online connectivity allows us to maintain contact with people who live far away, but don’t text the person in the next office—get up and speak in person. This contact fulfills some measure of taking a break from your own office chair and improves your social health.

Choose healthy behaviors and care for yourself. Reconnect with the outside world. Exercise. Breathe some fresh air. Meet some people. Get a good night’s sleep. Working hard will get you places, but taking breaks and relaxing will enable you to recharge the batteries you need to be truly effective.

Avoid technology overload and unplug daily!