Working, socialising, keeping fit, staying on top of chores - these days the idea of ‘down time’ can become more of a pipe dream. In a complex world where communication is faster than ever before, it can often feel like life is spiraling out of your control. However, recent research has found that one way to stay on top of it could be by using connected devices.

Set aside time to be entirely “offline”

Set aside time to be entirely “offline”

Connected devices can help bring order to our chaotic lives by consolidating our daily worries and actions into manageable and convenient tasks. Re-gaining control over work, family, love lives and free time does not require a complete lifestyle overhaul. Simply de-cluttering our minds and consolidating to-do lists means we can spend more time enjoying down time and being closer to loved ones.

Whether it’s relaxing and unwinding with music or even just minimising the worries of everyday life by switching on your thermostat or lights from outside the home, connected devices can significantly help improve well-being and relieve stress.

Dealing with the demands of modern life has put holistic methods, such as mindfulness and meditation, at the top of mainstream options, above traditional routes. Mindfulness encourages refreshing mind-sets, rather than completely changing lives.

To help you on your way to mindful living, neuroscientist Christine Buske PhD has pulled together her top tips for regaining life control.

1)      Make lists – syncing a to-do app across devices keeps your head clear

2)      Prioritize - what’s the most important thing right now, having the largest impact on your stress levels?

3)      Always use a calendar – sync it with the people who need to know where you are, or when you are busy

4)      Use Cloud based storage - it helps you keep access to essentials, no matter where you are and that cuts back on day to day stress

5)      Connect your home appliances and devices – never again worry about whether you turned off the thermostat

6)      Set aside time to be entirely “offline” – regain time for ‘you’

7)      Enjoy music – music has an effect on dopamine release in the brain, which is related to our mood, can decrease depression and also lowers blood pressure. Consider turning on music after a stressful day instead the TV

8)      Really connect with people – make a conscious effort to unite family and friends by enjoying activities together, including eating dinner as a group

9)      Focus on one task at a time - multi-tasking is overrated. Prioritise first, then focus on what requires your immediate attention, giving it your full attention

10)  Stop to smell the roses - try to notice the world around you more, and take stock of what you are grateful for in that moment

Syncing our lives and interconnecting means we do not just connect more across the home, but across generations; imagine grandparents syncing grandchildren’s favourite albums to sound systems - perhaps suggesting why four fifths (81%) of those with connected devices feel happiest about their family life and love life. Adopting a connected life can improve our time efficiency, success and outlook on tackling day to day actions.

In light of this, Panasonic has launched the GA10, a smart speaker with fully integrated Google Voice Assistant and Hi-Fi audio quality to help keep people’s productivity levels soaring. The Panasonic GA10 will be launching in early 2018.

About Panasonic Panasonic Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development of diverse electronics technologies and solutions for customers in the consumer electronics, housing, automotive, and B2B businesses. Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2018, the company has expanded globally and now operates 495 subsidiaries and 91 associated companies worldwide, recording consolidated net sales of Euro 61.711 billion for the year ended March 31, 2017. Committed to pursuing new value through innovation across divisional lines, the company uses its technologies to create a better life and a better world for its customers. To learn more about Panasonic: http://www.panasonic.com/global