Phone Bans For Certain Times Of The Day(01 of12)
Open Image Modal"See if you can build in technology-free times into each day," suggests Mark Williams. "See if these times can be used to do something that either gives a sense of pleasure (such as being with friends without a phone, or reading a favourite book or magazine), or a sense of mastery (such a tidying your desk for 15 minutes, or cooking using a new recipe). "While doing so, notice the tendency during any breaks to check for messages or posts. Notice what your sensations in the body feel like at these times, see if you can ‘surf the urge’ rather than give in to it, and if you must check, see if you can leave it for 10 or 15 minutes before you actually do."
Acts Of Kindness(02 of12)
Open Image ModalYou may think you don't have the time to be kind or thoughtful to someone you know, but what about that extra time you're spending online? Mark Williamson says: "Make someone else happy – do random acts of kindness, offer to help, give away your change, pay a compliment or tell someone how much they mean to you."
Use Technology To Defeat Technology(03 of12)
Open Image ModalArianna Huffington, founder of The Huffington Post and The Third Metric movement to introduce greater wellbeing and balance into our lives, has always maintained that we need to use technology to free ourselves from it. Susie adds: "Use great apps like Concentrate for Mac or RescueTime (pictured)for PC - these are great ways to help you from getting distracted." (credit:RescueTime)
Turn Off Message Alerts From Social Networks (04 of12)
Open Image ModalSmartphones have made it easier to be connected than ever before. "Be aware of what a drain on time it is to surf social media for hours in a day," says Susie. "Each day, those hours really add up and make a huge difference to your output and time available for real living. Turn off message alerts from your social networks so you don't keep getting interrupted."
Do Lunch Without Your Phone (05 of12)
Open Image ModalRich Pierson, co-founder of online meditation app Headspace, says: "I make sure that I have periods in the day when I don't have any technology on me. Going for a walk or to lunch without your phone can really help. "Having lunch on your own without your phone might be scary at first, but is actually a really nice thing to do."
Take Five Minutes To Breathe(06 of12)
Open Image ModalFive minutes isn't much, but the ripple effect it can have on your day last much more. Mark Williamson adds: "Take a breathing space - regularly stop and take five minutes to just breathe and be in the moment - notice how you're feeling and what's going on around you."
Exercise (07 of12)
Open Image ModalSusie Pearl says: "With the increase of screen time, we've seen a massive increase in related stresses to the body - eye strain, back troubles and neck issues. Get out there and get fresh air, daily exercise and movement - essential when we spend a lot of time at the computer."
Actually Hang Out With Your Friends. In Person. (08 of12)
Open Image Modal"The studies show that our joy and happiness comes from social interaction yet we do this less and less," says Susie. is it our perception of how busy we are? "Enjoy going out, meeting up, arranging socials and making sure that you put time and energy into making friendships, keeping friendships and being part of real communities. With the rise in social media, we are getting cut off from spending time with friends and this is accounting for a large part of the rise in stress."
Try Something New(09 of12)
Open Image ModalPush your conscious mind into action by doing something you haven't done before. It can be as small as "read a different magazine" Mark Williamson says, or "eat something you've never tried before, join a club or take a different route home." It'll certainly help squash any Facebook envy you might be feeling. Susie says: "It's more satisfying to have your own life experiences in the world than read about others having their experiences. Get off line and on life."
Make A Plan Of How Much You Plan To Use Social Media(10 of12)
Open Image ModalThis one is Susie's suggestion. She adds: "Make sure you stick to it. And run your day so that you do other priority tasks before logging in to social networks."
Walking Meetings(11 of12)
Open Image ModalSounds controversial but if you have catching up to do with a work friend, double it up with a walk or a run. Mark Williamson adds: "Get active outdoors – walk through the park, get off the bus a stop early or go for a "walking meeting" with a colleague."
Meditate, Surf, Do Anything Else But Touch That Mouse(12 of12)
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