5 things to do when reliance turns into addiction

By Brian Maynor

 

It may be okay, and even necessary, to rely on our phones and tablets for outsourced memory, but what happens when that reliance becomes an addiction?  And how do you know?

Reliance is the dependence upon or trust in something.  Addiction is allowing that reliance to control or interfere with your life, daily activities, work or relationships.  For example, referring to your phone or tablet to recall information, even frequently, is reliance.  Reaching for your phone before you get out of bed, texting while driving, prioritizing checking your phone over an important assignment and responding to social media or messages during dinner are signs of an addiction because your devices are interfering with your life.

We all know friends and may be guilty ourselves of exhibiting signs of addiction to our technology.  It’s okay.  Admitting we have a problem is the first step, but what should we do next?

Here are a few suggested ways we can break our addictions and re-engage our lives:

1.   Make the first 30 minutes of your day technology free.  The temptation to immediately reach for technology to check social media or email is strong.  Believe me I know, but that isn’t the most healthy or effective way to start the day.  Our mornings set the tone for the day so our focus should be on making it a great day.  That starts with getting out of bed, taking a shower, using a few minutes to meditate, journal or stretch and prepare a healthy breakfast.  The emails and social media posts aren’t going anywhere.

2.    Set black-out times during your day.  We all work with our phones sitting on the desk next to us, and I’m pretty sure we all at least look at it if not reach for it with every notification.  That is extremely distracting.  Especially when we are on a deadline or trying to be productive.  To circumvent the natural impulse to check our phones, try creating black-out times.  This means turning them off, I know I shudder at the thought too, turning them over so we can’t see the screen or otherwise removing them from view while we work to help maintain focus on the task in front of us.  With wearable technology so popular, we may have to remove our watches as well.

3.    Remake driving your focus.  Commutes are boring and blocks of time when we feel unproductive, but they should always be a technology-free zone.  I understand the need for GPS guidance and all the hands-free options are safer, but nothing is as safe as completely focusing on driving.  At no other point in your day can our technology so greatly impact life or death, for ourselves and others.

4.    Keep life real.  Technology is convenient, that’s part of the problem, but we always have a choice.  It may save time to send an email or text or post something on social media, but nothing will ever replace real life communication.  Whether it’s face-to-face or just talking on the phone, when we engage with other people is when life happens.  We all should stop focusing so much on documenting what we’re doing so we can actually enjoy it.  No picture of our dinner is ever going to compare to savoring it.  No social media post or email is going to be as personal as a phone call.  Don’t dismiss or diminish your living, breathing, real-life friends for virtual ones.

5.    Stop losing sleep over it.  Using technology is not going to help us fall asleep.  In fact, it’s probably the reason we can’t sleep.  As mindless as it is to surf the web or social media, our brains are still processing information and that is interrupting its normal circadian patterns.  Instead of investing in filters for the blue light just don’t use them.  The most common recommendation is to stop using our devices an hour before we go to bed.  That way we give our bodies and minds time to reflect on the day and prepare for a restful night naturally.

I know technology is here to stay, and will inevitably keep advancing, but we still have the power of choosing how, when and why we use it.  Reliance can easily become an addiction if we don’t actively choose not to use technology simply because it’s available or easier.  Life happens with or without technology.  Whether we choose to engage it is up to us.

 

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

I am always curious to hear about your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and help make your work wardrobe pull double duty.  Email your questions, quandaries and conundrums to [email protected].  Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

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