The only thing that's sooo important that it can't wait.

In an age where messages are constantly barraging our phones, emails pinging our inboxes, notifications are lighting our screens, everything can seem urgent. But one thing is more urgent than all of those thing - and that is... taking time to switch off.

More and more, we live in a constant state of distraction, from phone notifications to the way we consume media - and it's affecting our mental health. The countless productivity tools to help us get more organized isn't so much helping us as it is a clear indication that we're over-stressed, and over-worked.

That's why it's more important than ever to schedule in some time to take care of yourself. It's part of the reason why I decided to take 6 months off work and focus on other projects like cryptocurrency and blogging. But, cryptocurrency trading & blogging can be stressful work too so I also recognize that it's important for me to take time off that too.

If you read my introduction post you'll know that I've got some lofty goals for my time off, but while it's important to be driven and to strive for something - it's time off too so I want to feel relaxed as well.

For me personally, meditation is a great way to remain relaxed, rational, and calm - especially in the face of volatile market movements. Ironically, I use an app called Smiling Mind, (free on iOS and Android) to help me zone out and guide me through a 10 minute meditation. I find that it resets my distracted mind and allows me to retain focus.

Another method, is to practice stepping away for an hour, day or maybe even a few days. Last December, one of my mentors, @ipmal, was finding himself stressed from looking at charts day after day and decided to take a few weeks off. He came back refreshed and much clearer on his goals. Ultimately nothing in our lives is so important that can't wait a few hours... except our mental health.

I have a sauna in my apartment complex and like to step away from the screens regularly to go and sit in the hot box for 30 minutes or so. Sometimes I'll have company, other times I'll go by myself but either way, I don't take my phone. This gives me down-time and allows me to reflect upon my day or week.

So in short, it's important to take time away from your screens, especially if you're in the cryptocurrency space.