This week, we are offering some tips for developing your connection with loved ones, coworkers, and friends without over-using smart phones, internet, and other technological aides.
We recognize internet connection is a vital aspect of conducting business, staying up-to-date with family members who love across the country from you, and helpful with productivity. This blog series does not have a goal of disconnecting you from technology; however, by being purposeful with your use of the internet, you and your loved ones can have a greater sense of connection.
TODAY’S TIP:
Limit your time spent on social media sites.
How many of you have your Facebook page open right now? Challenge yourself to check Facebook twice per day as well (see Tip #1 about checking email). If you can talk with your partner or friends face-to-face, why do you need to check out their Facebook page?
Here is a list of online tools to help you concentrate on your work, limit social media time, and even audit your usage of computer time.
My favorite from the list is:
Concentrate – Maximize focus while shifting between different tasks.
Concentrate is great for shifting between tasks that require different mindsets. I have a variety of recurring tasks that require different tools: 1) Writing, 2) Social Media Management, 3) Event Planning. Concentrate lets me configure a different set of tools for each task. When I activate “Writing,” the app automatically closes my email client and Internet Browser; blocks me from Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube; launches Microsoft Word; and sets my instant messaging status to “away”. Then, when I want to concentrate on “Social Media Management,” I can customize a completely different set of actions to happen relevant to that activity. There’s also a handy “concentration” timer. For Macs only.
Tip #3: Texting Throughout the Day
Adam R Glendye MA MFT, LAPC
aglendye@ GROWcounseling.com
