Technology can add to stress

Part of my research for my Typography class this week was looking into ways technology has affected Seattle and its culture. Days of people lounging at coffee shops, chatting with friends and reading books has become cafe tables filled with computer screens, people's faces hiding behind them. Granted people still meet others to have coffee and catch up for various reasons but along with the isolation at the coffee shops, everyone's faces are not facing each other anymore, they are facing their computer or phon screens. Take notice how many people are glued to phones. I AM ONE OF THEM. I check my email, the weather, the news every break I can. BUT when I'm with company, I do my best to set it aside....unless my company is preoccupied "twittering" or texting messages to others. I don't twitter....I think I do enough. I want to have limits. In this research, I decided that I want to "go off the grid more" meaning stay offline for so many hours.

In my research, I came across this. I think Technology increases stress, therefore think this is helpful info:

How to avoid burnout

by Alison Johnson | Daily Press (Newport News, Va.) | Posted: Sunday, February 15, 2009 12:00 am

* Lean on others. One symptom of burnout is thinking that no one else can do a job but you. Trust that work or chores will get done even if you don't do it all.

* Learn to say no. Instead of feeling guilty, realize that you'll be better able to say yes to things that are important to you.

* Reduce your load. Look at your everyday tasks and figure out what you could drop. A co-worker, child, spouse or neighborhood teenager may be able to pick up some work.

* Take a daily technology break. Turn off everything, including your cell phone, laptop and pager, even if it's just for a few minutes at a time.

* Set a schedule. Map out your weekdays with the goal of having a chunk of the weekend to rest and have fun. You'll be less likely to procrastinate.

* Take vacations. Being a workaholic isn't something to be proud of.

* Reward yourself. Remember why you work and what you like about your job or home life. Spend time with a loved one or buy something you want and can afford.

* Nurture your spirit. Do something just for yourself, whether it's listening to music, exercising, getting a massage, reading or writing in a journal.

* Don't isolate yourself. Share problems with family and friends.

* Take care of yourself. Healthy eating, regular exercise and plenty of sleep will give you the energy to deal with life's demands.

* Consider professional help. If you constantly feel hopeless, unmotivated and isolated from others, talk to a doctor, therapist