Secrets to dealing with digital overload
The author of the book "The Digital Diet: The 4-Step Plan To Break Your Tech Addiction and Regain Balance in Your Life" Daniel Sieberg reveals to the Telegraph some secrets on how one can reduce the time spent using the Internet and social media through computers, "smart" phones and tablets.
Read below five ways to go on a "digital diet":
1. Don't charge your phone in the bedroom
Charge your cell phone in any room of the house, except the bedroom. The light emitted by the computer screen affects the circadian rhythm and, consequently, the person's sleep.
Furthermore, it has been found that when someone has their mobile phone near their bed, they check it at least twice during the night.
In other words, if when you're in bed, what you're looking for is your cell phone and not... your partner, then something is going very wrong..
2. Calculate the “Virtual Weight Index”
Just as with the Body Mass Index and the… scale, the “Virtual Weight Index”… weighs on the brain.
By knowing what your "virtual weight index" is, you can calculate the appropriate way to relieve your body.
To calculate it, all you need to do is allocate points for each of your digital interactions and count the total.
Above 36 points, the "virtual weight index" is high.
For each smartphone use, calculate 3 points, for social networks 4, for laptops/desktops/e-readers/digital camera 1 point, for messaging devices 5, for tablets 2, for email accounts 2, for online games 7 and for blogs 2 points, each time you use them.
3. Define your e-day
Define a beginning and an end to your digital day.
Decide when and under what circumstances you will control the various electronic devices, for example during your vacation.
And of course… make sure to follow the rules.
4. Never put your phone on top of your friends
Many times, even if you don't admit it or don't even realize it, phones distance you from your friends, interrupting conversations or preventing a conversation from starting.
Leave your phone in your bag or pocket, and only take it out if absolutely necessary.
Whoever "breaks" the rule... pays the bill!
5. “Hire” an electronic assistant
If you can't do it yourself, seek help... in technology, to control your dependence on technology!
It may sound like an oxymoron, but it can prove to be extremely helpful.
Two of the "tools" that you may find useful are SelfControl (selfcontrolapp.com) and RescueTime (rescuetime.com).
