Combating Technostress

         Technology provides us with a range of options that can enrich and enhance our lives. Technostress is technology induced pressure. No one can escape it. If left unattended, technostress can lead to memory loss, diminished concentration, impatience, irritability, difficulty relaxing or falling asleep-even headaches, stomach discomfort, backaches, and more serious health problems. Combating technostress means finding ways to achieve a healthy balance of using technology without becoming consumed by it. Awareness of self is the first step. Ponder over the positive and negative ways in which technology is impacting your life, family and work life. Where does technology control you? How can you utilize the good side of technology without being consumed by technostress? Rethink your lifestyle and work habits. Listen to your body. Remember that sleep and rest are necessities, not luxuries to fit in between work times. Pay attention when your patience unravels or your body shows signs of running down. Take a technology time-out-Exercise. Sitting in front of your computer all day means that you are not getting the proper exercise. Get up, walk around the office, stretch, do breathing exercises, or meditate. At the very least, take a short vision break from your computer. A quick time-out can help you feel more refreshed and better able to tackle the next technological task. Limit your need to multitask. Learn to focus your attention on one task at a time. Thus combating technostress will help us to perform better at work, spend more quality time with our families and experience the wonders of technology.