DEALING WITH DIGITAL STRESS
1. Switch off from work
· Being constantly accessible for work, even at home, is a major source of technology-related stress, and it is important to allocate some time for yourself and switch off from work stress.
· Fix a certain time each evening to turn off your phone and computer and relax.
· Read a book; go for a walk or exercise, or anything to unwind, with your phone switched off.
2. Have important conversations face-to-face
· Communicating primarily by email, social media sites or text messaging, can give rise to misunderstandings, besides waiting for a reply, which can cause prolonged stress and anxiety.
· Try to have important conversations face to face, with emails and texting for arrangements.
· Such conversations will also help in improving relationships.
3. Be selective with your contacts
· Don’t feel obliged to accept all social media friend requests, but only do this if you want to.
· Try politely explaining to them that you don’t intend to use that form of communication very often.
· Alternatively, set up accounts just for colleagues, which you can check as and when you want to.
4. Don’t feel pressured to have it all
· The second leading cause of technological stress is trying to keep up with technology changes.
· Remember that technology is meant to enhance your lifestyle, and not to make it stressful.
· Stick to what you find useful and don’t feel under pressure to keep up with trends.
5. Have a digital detox
· Being connected to the internet or mobile texting deprives us of many sources of pleasure.
· Spend a week, day or afternoon without any technology and live in the real world instead.
· Listen to the birds singing, take in the scenic view, and have a face-to-face conversation.
· When you get back to your computer or phone, you will notice that there was nothing to be stressed about after all, and the world didn’t stop because you turned it off for a while.