ChickSpeak

While technology can undeniably make life easier, it can also drain your time. Learn how to use technology wisely, yet walk away from it so you can spend time with people instead of things.

1. Fewer communication tools. Four phones, two IM accounts, Twitter, a fax, and three email addresses may be too many. Reduce the number of ways you stay connected and you may discover you have more time for the important people and activities in your life.
2. Less TV. Turn off the TV after the specific shows you want to watch are over. Better yet, don’t turn on the TV at all. You may discover you enjoy taking a walk after dinner with your friend much more than watching TV.
3. Less web surfing. Many people use the Internet as a boredom cure or are just too accustomed to spending their time on the computer. Learn to manage your computer time or just walk away from your computer and find something to do with a friend instead.
4. Manage email. If you spend all day chained to your email, you may need to learn how to manage your addiction. Try just checking email two times a day for a while and see how much extra time you create.
5. Fewer online groups. If you are in forums, on listservs, and participating in several social networking sites, then you may want to consider reducing the number of your online groups and spend that time with people face-to-face.
6. Play fewer games. Video games can be a huge drain on your time. Give yourself a set amount of time you can play, then walk away. Setting a timer will help you stay on track.
7. Reduce RSS feeds. If keeping up with your feeds is stressing you, cut out the ones you don’t need and learn to read your feeds with less stress.
8. Leave the laptop behind. The convenience of a laptop is also the downfall of your free time. Become more involved with your life by shutting the laptop and joining in with your friends and family.
9. Don’t follow trends. Feeling like you always need the latest and greatest technology device is not only expensive, but wasteful for the environment and your time. If your cell phone works fine, don’t upgrade as soon as the newest version comes out. Wait until you really need a new one to upgrade.
10. Become aware of technology in your life. Spend one whole day without technology every now and then so you can realize the place technology has taken in your life. Realizing your dependence and knowing how to live without it can give you the ability for you to walk away when necessary.

For Alisa’s full article click here.