Managing Technology
Posted by Alex Zandi on Thu, Jul 08, 2010 @ 09:06 AM
Let’s face it; we live in world that is overflowing with technology and that should make our lives simpler and more enjoyable. Technology allows us to integrate many different facets of our lives, easily stay connected with family and friends, and even provide us with breathtaking audio/video entertainment from the comfort of our homes.
Still, with all the pluses of a digital world, technology should not be used in excess. For many people, however, the ability to use technology in moderation is a challenge. Recently, there has been a growing concern about the inability to unplug, which can manifest into a full-fledged technology addiction.
Below are five tips to help you manage technology, and make sure that technology does not govern you.
Experiment with short periods of inaccessibility. Your life won’t implode. Try taking a vacation unplugged, or even just a short walk in the park.
Leave your cell phone and PDA at home one day a week. Saturday or Sunday is a good day to cut-off email and cell phone usage; it will feel like a two-week vacation.
Set a "not-to-do list." Don't check email before 9 a.m. to avoid immediate reactive mode. Set intervals to check email, for example, at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. ., and 3 p.m. Make house rules, such as no phones at the kitchen table or no late night emailing.
Buddy up. Recovery should not be embarked upon alone; ask a colleague, administrative assistant, or spouse to help you enforce the new rules.
Learn moderation. Don’t be anti-technology. Some technology is good for you…but too much can be crippling. Try using technology that integrates many different facets of a modern digital world, leaving more time to unplug.
