Smartphones and social media sites are becoming a part of our everyday lives. I used both in my work for many years, as they helped me with promoting and personal branding. I found myself on Facebook, in particular, as I connected with people from my past. Besides my blogs, both Xing and LinkedIn also became a part of my life, and I found myself constantly thinking about what messages to send out to the cyber world.

Chronically, when the New Year comes around, there is usually a lot of talk about resolutions. Most people want to slim down … so they make a weight loss goal. However, have you ever thought about spending less time in front of your computer? What does technology take away from your life? Whenever you are on your computer, you are neglecting some other aspect of your family.

Ask yourself: Is it worth it?

I can lose myself on the Internet. Sitting down to check my e-mail or Facebook timeline can turn into an hour-long surfing episode on my MacBook. It is important that you realize it if this is happening to you, too. Set limits for how long you are going to be on the computer. One change that I have made is that I only have three tabs open at one time – no more than that. I also recently looked at my Facebook account and “un-friended” those that I do not communicate with regularly. That was not an attempt to be mean to anyone … it was simply a way of cleaning up my account and making sure that I am only connecting with the people that truly matter in my life.

I view my iPhone both as a blessing and a curse at the same time. It is certainly convenient: You have access to the Internet no matter where you are or what you are doing. But, it also can become a time drain, as many people constantly have their phone in front of their face, instead of interacting with the real world. But, do you really need your phone that much? Instead of using the GPS function, write down directions from Google Maps. Check in with someone you know and ask them your questions, rather than immediately turning to Siri. Resist the urge to pull your phone out every few minutes.

Start living again!

I consider myself as a sort of “Gadget Kid” … I grew up with all sorts of electronic devices, and it is unlikely that I will be able to give up technology altogether. After all, it has become a part of my daily life. Instead, I simply try and cut back on my usage and only turn to technology when absolutely necessary. Get rid of apps that are just time wasters and only download those that help you out in some way. Unsubscribe from e-mail lists that you do not need and make an effort to connect more with the people in your life. Turn your phone off when you are having family time. And, when you go to bed, leave the phone charging in a different room, rather than at your nightstand.

I know, it isn’t easy to change your habits. However, the steps I have already taken to use technology less have already left me feeling empowered. I feel good about the fact that I no longer immediately pick up my phone when I wake up in the morning. I am more focused on human interaction than what I can get from a computer screen.

Technology allows us to see the world around us from a different perspective, but don’t forget to enjoy the real world!

Picture credit: Matthew Pearce • Creative Commons Attribution