It doesn't matter where you look around you. Chances are you'll see someone with their phone out doing something. Technology has become so integrated with our lives we (heavy tech users) sometimes feel disconnected from the world if we simply leave our cellphone in another room. That's any amazing and sometimes disconcerting about the day and age we live in. With that in mind, there are ways to use tech to your advantage that will allow you to spend time away from the living, breathing network. Take for instance online inventory management has become a means of creating time for the small business owner. With Stockpile, our small business inventory system, the SMB owner can leave the office and still keep up with how things are going in a matter of seconds. While this is great for productivity, there's also a downside. As technology integrates deeper into our everyday lives, we need to consider ideas and tactics that help keep a healthy separation between how we live and the matrix-like environment that was made for Hollywood. The following list will help you be aware of and do something about your tech addiction.
- Reserve certain time periods for certain activities (e.g., like only checking email after you arrive at the office)
- Decide what you will and will NOT use tech for (e.g., make it a point to connect with one person per day and that doesn't involve some kind of high tech communication - remember the phone is still okay to use!)
- Make it a habit to do something outdoors at least twice a week and ban mobile devices while doing so (e.g., take a walk - it's worked for thousands of years)
- Manage your time (keep a log of use and it will be easier to just say NO when the time is right)
