[...] It's common to see people answering email via Blackberry in meetings, at meals, and during events: something that strikes me as incredibly rude, but which seems almost universally accepted. For the most part, rather an a necessity, staying constantly connected is a habit that becomes an obsession, and then an addiction. [Emphasis mine.]

And while Ochman feels that the work she does for her clients is important, she doesn't see her work as "holding the globe together." Which is why she unwired this past weekend. As did I during my long weekend on the east coast. What a great feeling.

What it all comes down to is maintaining a healthy work-life balance. InsureMe expects that of its employees. Which is part of the reason we're forbidden to work—or even check email—on Saturdays. Yeah, you might be saying, but time is money. Or maybe, my clients are online, so I should be too.

Perhaps these statements and their next of kin ("I'm expected to be reachable 24/7," "It looks bad for emails to go unanswered," etc.) are viable. But setting a few ground rules about your constant connectivity will help your productivity in the long run, says Ochman.

You can start by reclaiming your weekend. Ochman recommends:

1. Taking turns with someone in your office to handle emergencies and PR issues on the weekend.
2. Telling clients that you're not available until after noon on Sunday...and go on from there.
3. Don't check your Blackberry at dinner or other social engagements—it's rude!

So to couch on Ochman's closer: how do you unwire?

[Photo from Flickr]