We are all a victim. Looking at our BlackBerry or iPhone every five minutes to check for emails, texts, and other communication, firing up our laptops everywhere we go, DVR’ing our favorite programs and watching them at our leisure, counting on our GPS systems to get us from point A to point B. These of course are all methods of technology which most of all us use on a daily basis.
But when is it too much? I know a few weeks ago when the Blackberry Messaging service went down for several hours, I was like a fiend. I hated not being able to communicate through that messaging device even though I could’ve used other ways to reach out to people if I wanted. It was then that I realized that there is indeed too much technology in my life.
My children have no idea what it’s like to be in a world without wireless phones, Internet, cable, etc. But of course, I was born before all of that and lived just fine. Maybe it would be healthy for me to take a break from technology at times and get focused and centered on the things that are most important in my life.
Case in point: last weekend I kept my phone on silent for two days and I couldn’t believe the sense of calm that accompanied me those days. Not hearing the email chime every time I received a message or the buzzing of the text alert was peaceful. I would occasionally glance at the phone to make sure I hadn’t missed any important calls, but other than that, I had a non disruptive weekend and it was therapeutic for me.
What happened to writing letters, communicating in a more personal fashion? I used to love writing letters to my friends in different states. Then we went to emails, and now we mostly communicate on Facebook! I miss the good old days!
I spoke with MSW, Alicia Knight, who specializes in family technology issues. She had this to say about technology: “Of course technology can be a a good thing. It can save lives, reach out to people, and make our lives easier. But it can also pull us away from those who we are closest too and cause dysfunction in our households.”
So what can we do to make sure we don’t experience technology overload? Here is a short list of items Ms. Knight recommends:
- Unplug from technology every once in awhile to find your center. Choose two days out of the week to unplug and just sit and read a book or write in a paper journal for an hour. Enjoy the peace and quiet. You will feel better afterwards.
- Don’t just rely on technology. Along with the emails and Facebook messages, write actual letters and send cards through traditional mail. This keeps your ties with people strong and developed.
- At night, before sleeping, shut all of your devices down. Constantly hearing your phone go off while you are sleeping can break your sleeping patterns and can cause restlessness.
- When hanging out with your friends or family, shut off your phone. It is rude and disruptive to be utilizing other forms of communication while spending times with loved ones.
- If a device is not working, don’t fret. Relax and don’t get overwhelmed. Most of the times there is a warranty and it can be replaced. Your sanity cannot.
Follow the suggestions above and it should help you avoid technology overload. Do you have tips of your own or have you suffered from overload in the past? Sound off in the comment section! 🙂
Special thanks to Alicia Knight, MSW
Another thing that should be added to the list: do NOT get work email addresses hooked up to your home computer or blackberry/iphone.
I tried this once during a busy period at work when I took leave. BIG mistake. Will NEVER do it again. On the plus side, I didn't end up with my usual 500 emails upon returning.
I truly understand that. I have my blog emails and my personal emails sent to my Blackberry. I couldn't imagine having my work ones sent there too. That would be too much. Work would be chiming in wherever I would be when off, and that is not healthy.
I unfortunately don't have that option. Sometimes you just have to turn the BB off
I agree with the above comments re: work emails. I have never had them sent to my BlackBerry, even though I briefly considered it at one time. That would be too stressful!
In addition to putting my cell phone on silent at times, I also have times when I come home and do NOT turn on the TV all night, or the computer. Just silence, and I use that time to read, write, or do some things around my home. I feel so much better the next day!
Earlier last year I unplugged from the Internet altogether for about two and a half weeks and I will tell you, I felt so light and free. The instant updates and constant news cycle can beat you up. I told myself I was going to limit my Internet usage but that hasn't happened yet.
I grew up without all the technology too but let me tell you I have it and I shall never part from it! I do often think that maybe I am too connected especially since I got the blackberry. However, my thing is that only a few people actually have my phone number. I rarely give it out, not even on business cards. Call the 800 number and I'll get back to you but you better be sure that my phone number will be blocked.
Once I went to the mall, one that's pretty far from my house. When I got to the mall I noticed I left my phone. I wanted to go back home and get it so bad but it would have been silly to waste that gas for a phone. I said to myself, well this is going to be hard but it really was peaceful. I just walked and shopped and even went to dinner with myself. No texting and walking into things in the mall.lol No trying to take a phone call while stuffing my mouth at the same time. No checking making sure I didn't drop my phone. Pretty nice.
I am seriously thinking about choosing one day a week and unplugging for the Internet, shutting off the phone, etc. I think it will be good for me to do so.
I turn off the PC at 7pm – every night – no matter what. I have a hobby, painting, that takes me away from all technology – and it's so peaceful. No tv, no radio … just the fireplace and painting. I do not send birthday or holiday e-cards or e-sentiments of any kind – ever. I think its rude. I still send cards…and my child, who is 11 writes cards and Thank You letters. Don't get me wrong – I'm a gadget junkie. I have 2 laptops, 2 PCs and a Plam Pre .. but I also love peace and quiet above all else. I think if everyone devoted a block of time each week to No Tech Toys … they'd find a peace they didn't know was missing from their lives.