I s I t T ime for a D igital D etox ?
• Turn off notifications. Constant notifications can be incredibly distracting, so silencing them allows us to focus more on our surroundings. • Disconnect before bedtime. Turn off all electronics an hour before you go to sleep to relax your body and mind. Another benefit is that you’ll feel less stressed, especially if you compare yourself to others on social media or get lost in negative news cycles. Perhaps the most notable benefit of a digital detox is reclaiming your own time. Checking your cellphone and scrolling through social media can quickly become a subconscious habit. Before you know it, an hour or two has passed. Even watching television can take up huge chunks of your day. With a digital detox, you get that time back, and you can reallocate it to healthier activities. If you feel like you need a break from your electronic devices, take one. It could lead to a healthier and happier life. A W hole N ew W orld MEET JANET SIERRA!
When you need a break from your busy life, you probably look at your cellphone. And when you need a break from your cellphone, you might watch TV or browse social media on your other devices. This cycle of never-ending screens can be taxing on your mental health. Everyone hits their breaking point at a different time, and you may not even realize when you’ve reached your limit. If you find yourself getting angry or upset at posted content, consistently comparing yourself to others, or feeling depressed, it may be time for a digital detox. But what is a digital detox? It’s taking a break from electronic devices, such as your cellphone or tablet mindlessly scrolling through social media or news stories.
Now that you know what it is, how can you detox yourself?
• Schedule a break from your devices. Even if it’s just for a half-hour, use the time to do other activities, such as exercise, household chores, or even gardening.
Janet Sierra started as a receptionist at The Manely Firm one year ago after finishing her bachelor’s degree. “Doing something with law interested me,” she says, “and everyone here has been so welcoming. They’re all eager to help me grow professionally and answer any questions I have since this is my first ‘adult job.’” She has taken such a liking to the legal profession that she is now working on a paralegal certificate. She hopes to advance within the firm eventually, but right now, she is enjoying the good company of her colleagues and gaining a better understanding of family law. Janet’s parents were born in Mexico City, and she is a first-generation immigrant. Though she was born in Atlanta, Spanish is her first language. This skill now comes in handy at The Manely Firm due to our diverse clientele. Janet often assists with interpreting for Spanish-speaking clients who seek our help, and she someday hopes to secure certification in interpreting and translation.
Mexican food my parents make from back home!” Being bilingual has inspired a passion for learning new languages, and she is currently trying to learn Turkish. She grew up watching telenovelas (Latin American soap operas) and discovered some similar Turkish shows on YouTube. “Now it’s a little obsession of mine,” she says. Her other hobbies include spending time with her 7-year-old niece, Bella, and participating in Disney fan culture. “I love going to Disney,” she says. “When I take a vacation, I usually try to head down to Orlando.” It’s a passion she and Bella share. “It’s so much fun because she’s obsessed with Disney like I am,” Janet says. “We’re hoping to take her on a trip to Disney next year.” For Janet, the best part of her work at The Manely Firm is getting to know other people. “I enjoy talking to people and hearing about their stories — even from the little snippets I’m able to get,” she says. “I recently had a call with a Mexican attorney, and his practice is in the same area my family is from. This job is a really nice way of connecting with people!”
“I love being a first-generation immigrant,” Janet says, “because I get to enjoy all the traditional
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