In this revealing podcast, co-hosts Sarah Kettel & Timothy R Andrews discuss with Digital and Online expert, Laura Willis why digital and social media technology is so addictive, how it can be overwhelming and what you can do to regain control, get back your life AND have a healthy relationship with your tech.

Exploring the delicate balance between technology and well-being, this Timothy, Put The Kettel On presentation of Talking Hospitality, shares a thought-provoking dialogue with Laura Willis, co-founder of Shine Offline.

Hosts Sarah Kettel and Timothy R. Andrews facilitate a rich discussion that highlights the pervasive influence of smartphones and social media in the hospitality industry.

Laura shares her insights on how these digital tools, while essential for connectivity and business operations, can also lead to detrimental mental health outcomes if not managed effectively.

The episode emphasises the concept of the “attention economy,” in which our engagement is continuously manipulated to maximize clicks and views, creating an environment ripe for distraction and anxiety.

Throughout the conversation, Laura details her approach to helping individuals understand their relationship with technology, advocating for mindful consumption and intentional use.

She discusses the impact of passive social media scrolling on self-esteem and mental health, contrasting it with more interactive forms of communication that foster genuine connections.

Sarah and Timothy resonate with these ideas, sharing their own struggles with the pressures of being constantly connected in a fast-paced industry. They explore the ramifications of this always-on culture, particularly for hospitality workers who often face long hours and unpredictable schedules.

As the episode progresses, Laura offers practical steps for listeners to reclaim their time and mental space, from setting screen time limits to fostering deeper, more meaningful social interactions.

The discussion culminates in a powerful reminder that technology should serve to enhance our lives, not control them.

By encouraging listeners to reflect on their behaviors and implement small, manageable changes, Laura empowers them to navigate their digital landscapes with greater awareness.

Join Sarah Kettel and Timothy R. Andrews as they explore strategies for reclaiming downtime and fostering healthier digital habits in a fast-paced world.

Takeaways:

• Laura Willis emphasizes the importance of understanding our relationship with technology, especially smartphones, to improve well-being.
• Social media's passive use can negatively impact self-esteem, increasing feelings of anxiety and depression.
• Employers need to foster open conversations about digital behavior and well-being among staff.
• Creating boundaries around technology use is essential to prevent feelings of overwhelm and burnout.
• Mindful engagement with technology can enhance personal and professional relationships, promoting deeper connections.
• Small, intentional changes in technology usage can lead to significant improvements in mental health and productivity.

• For more insights, visit the Talking Hospitality Blog: https://www.talkinghospitality.com/blog/

• For courses on Hospitality and the subjects discussed visit: https://www.educatinghospitality.co.uk/

Support Material mentioned:

https://shineoffline.com/blog/

https://offtime.app/index.php

Editing & Visuals by: Timothy R Andrews

Music: Brain Power by Mela, freemusicarchive.org & Pawel Sikorski

And guest appearance by Bert the Cat

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