Compulsive use of gadgets like Blackberrys and Treos has become common in the American home and other areas of our personal lives.
Since people rarely leave home without a cell phone, even events that were once email-free are now susceptible to work communication. Some mental health professionals report that the intrusion of mobile email gadgets and wireless technology into family life is a growing topic of discussion in therapy. They have specific tips for dealing with the problem, like putting the device in a drawer during a set time period every day.
Here are some recommendations for email addicts that need to get a life:
1. Do not check email during meals.
2. Do not hide your email habits from family members.
3. Commit to stop emailing while driving.
4. Don't check email for the first hour of the day.
5. Decide on an email-free block of time.
6. When out spending time with your children or spouse, leave the mobile email device in the car or at home. Jointly agree on maintaining this quality time as a sanctuary to enjoy your personal life together.
7. Set boundaries at work when co-workers know that you will not be checking email...and...respect others' boundaries to be email-free.
8. Ask yourself what's important at that moment: to enjoy after-work activities or getting work done. Then practice a ritual that helps you mentally and emotionally separate the work day from the after-work day.
Source: The Wall Street Journal, December 8, 2006