Ten Tips to Cyber Simplify your life

Technology is supposed to make our lives easier and simpler. How many times have you heard that? Now ask yourself, is your life easier? Do you feel more relaxed and/or productive?

If the answers are a loud NO, then you are not alone. The reality is, as our interactions with machines increase, we must realize the importance of “turning on” our human selves.

Here are ten tips on how to Cyber Simplify your life:

1. Time management

Learn to organize your time. Ask yourself before doing a task, is this the best use of my time? And what will happen if I don't do it?

2. Prioritize

Make a list of what you need to do. Number the list. Now go back and put an A by the items that are the most important, a B by those somewhat important and a C for minimal importance. Pick three A items and do them. Then pick three more. When finished with all of the A's, move on to the B's etc.... You should assess and complete tasks by importance to maximize your time.

3. Communicate clearly

Effective and clear communication is one in which there is an exchange between two parties. This is in contrast to efficient communication, which is simply the relaying a message. Before you initiate communication, you should understand what kind of communication is called for (context) i.e. face to face, e-mail or fax. You should also have an idea of the type of response that is required.

4. Take a break

Studies show that we are most productive and less likely to make a mistake, when we stretch for five minutes or breathe or relax every hour.

5. Create down time

Turn off your cell phone in the car. Switch off your beeper. Find a way to create time and space to think and plan your day.

6. Arrange regular face to face meetings with your colleagues

It is important to create a venue for the sharing and exchange of ideas, thoughts and knowledge. These can be formal or informal. Make a conscious effort to share time and space.

7. Exercise, exercise, and exercise

Nothing is as effective in busting stress. Park your car farther away than usual and walk to appointments. Take the stairs when possible. As you are walking, learn to focus on what you hear, feel and see. For example, say to yourself, "Now I am aware of..."

8. Carry a yellow notepad

This is commonly known as an external brain or peripheral memory. You can jot down notes and make lists. They are great for organizing your items and scratching them off as they are accomplished.

9. Find a structure

A structure is an object that you can place at your desk or around your workspace that will remind you to breathe, meditate or stretch. It can be a little sticky on your computer, or a rock, or picture. Associate a meaning to it that is in tandem with an action and just do iit.

10. Relax

As you are reading this, take a deep breath. Breathe from deep in your gut and through your nose slowly as you count to 25. As you exhale, focus on releasing tension and stress. You can practice your deep breathing anywhere and everywhere, at the traffic light, waiting for a fax, or standing in the elevator.

Learn more about CyberSimplifying Your Life by going to the Mind Tools Library for more articles about improving your life or the Video Breaks section for our online videos.