UCanMakeItIfYouTry – Stop The Internet From Taking Over Your Life
TOP TIPS
Once a curiosity for the tech-obsessed, the Internet is now a part of our daily lives. It has become an invaluable tool to work, shop, learn, and stay connected. Unfortunately, it also offers us new ways to bury our heads in the sand. Too often, people get so caught up in the Internet that they lose touch with the real world. If this sounds like you, don’t worry – there are simple steps you can take to stop the Internet from taking over your life.
1 – Recognize There is a Problem
The first step to dealing with any issue is recognizing that there is a problem. How much time do you spend on the Internet? Does it ever hold you back from accomplishing your goals?
2 – Track Your Usage
Tracking your internet time has never been easier. Most smartphones and computers ship with apps to track your screen time. Tracking your internet usage will help you spot troubling patterns before they become an issue.
3 – Schedule Internet Time
The Internet is at our fingertips, making it so easy to turn to whenever we want. Try to stick to a schedule for online or screen time. If you find the idea of an internet schedule silly, then focus on the apps or websites that are your biggest time sinks. For example, you could limit the times you check your email to morning and night.
4 – Stop Living for Your Notifications
Too many people seemed to be ruled by their notifications. No matter what they are doing, a simple beep or vibration can cause them to break focus and check their device. Pick and choose the notifications you accept carefully. By choosing only the most urgent apps, you can limit how disruptive they are.
5 – No More Scrolling in Bed
Getting high-quality sleep is an important part of peak performance and health. Using your phone in bed is a surefire way to ensure poor-quality sleep. Ditch the phone before you lay down for bed.
6 – Focus On Your Food While You Eat
Another good time to put your device away is when you eat. Mindful eating is the cornerstone of a healthy relationship with food. Losing the phone also allows you to be present with the people around you.
7 – Get Outside Every Day
A great way to get a break from technology is to get outside for a walk every day. Going for a walk keeps you physically active, boosts your mood, helps your posture, and gives you a break from the Internet’s constant connection.
8 – Cut Down Your Friend Lists
You don’t have to add every person you have ever met to your social media accounts. Having huge friend lists is harder and more time-consuming to manage. Social media won’t feel hectic when you are more careful about who you “friend” online.
9 – Spend Time with People in Real Life
Spending time with your loved ones can help you forget about the online world altogether. Why worry about your social media when you can live an actual social life. Laughing with good friends and family makes the rest of the world (online and off) melt away.
FAST-ACTION STEPS
1 – Figure out where you waste the most time online. Is it a certain app or website? Is it social media? Email?
2 – Now that you know where you are wasting your time try only using those apps or websites at certain times. For example, only check your social media in the afternoon after work.
3 – Get up right now and go for a walk. You can take your phone with you in case of an emergency but try to keep it in your pocket. Practice being mindful of the world around you.
- About the Author
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James Donaldson
Former Owner and Director of The Donaldson Clinic (an outpatient physical therapy clinic)
James completed a 20 year professional basketball career in the spring of 2000. James established The Donaldson Clinic in (January 1990 – 2018) (shortly after a career threatening knee injury) with an idea that he would eventually become a physical therapist. He is a strong advocate for Women & Minority owned businesses and is very involved with various Chambers of Commerce. He understands what it takes to sustain a strong business environment that is conducive to the success of businesses overall.
James is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the N.B.A. with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks and Utah Jazz. He also played for several in Spain, Italy and Greece of the European Leagues plus toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an N.B.A. All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac – 10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame.
He now devotes the majority of his time to various community activities, and toward the Gift of Life Foundation, speaking on mental health awareness and suicide prevention. James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, youth groups and is the author of the published “Standing Above the Crowd” of which you can learn more about at www.standingabovethecrowd.com and is available for sale now.
In 2021, James published Celebrating Your Gift of Life: From the Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy. www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com
James is a 40+ year resident of Seattle. He believes in being a role model of success and professionalism for the scores of young people that he devotes so much of his time to. He currently serves on several Boards and/or committees and is a member of many organizations. (Please see complete listing on back)
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win – Win” environment for everyone involved, and being the best he can be!
