How many times in a day do you use an internet connected device? That is a very hard question to answer – since most of us use them all the time. They are at our side around the clock, whether we work or not. We don’t use them X amount of time, they have become part of us.
So what? Is that a problem? Yes and no!
Yes, because it leaves no free time for our brains. We are not made to be active and alert 24 hours a day. Yes, because the devices become addictive – they kind of suck us into them and it is soooooo hard to get out again. They pinpoint our pleasure center in the brain, rewarding us with good feelings and wanting more. “I am just going to read one more post, and one more, and one more” ………… and it goes on.
On the other hand No, the devices give us freedom, they help us with information, they make some things sooo much easier (like math, if you know what I mean).
So what can we do to get the good parts and leave out the bad parts? I must confess that I don’t know. I know a lot of tips that can help along the way but I don’t have the “all inclusive” solution. I don’t think anyone has.
But here is a few things to help along the road. All may not be applicable for your situation, but please grab what you can use:
- Eat breakfast before you at all turn on and look at your devices. That will give you energy and strength to get going with your work.
- Don’t even open your Facebook (or what you mostly get lost in) until after lunch.
- Work in 50 minutes Modules, with 10 minutes breaks during the workday. Set an alarm to track time (good use of the device) so you don’t get lost in time. IF you by mistake slide into something you don’t want to do (or at least not should do) you will only be lost within that timeframe.
- Have a fixed time when you look at your e-mails (unless it is your job to answer e-mails). Of course you may look in the morning if you are expecting information you need for getting on with your current tasks. But just scroll down, pick what you need and leave the sorting until later.
- Set the timer also at your “checking e-mails” time, which will help you be more efficient so you get through the whole list in the available time.
- Ask your friends / workmates to hold you accountable for not constantly looking at your device while eating, having breaks and so on. You can actually talk to each other instead. Ask about their family, sports activities or whatever. You might even enjoy getting to know each other better!
These were a few easy tips to help you handle your plug-in time. They can help you reduce the stress that the all-day-long plug-in-model brings into our lives nowadays. And just being aware of the problem is a good step forward.
What is your best tip to keep out of the “device trap”? And do you have a good tip of how to use your devices for a good purpose? I love to get comments and new suggestions.
To your Success and Keep Smiling!
