Health&Wellness Magazine March 2015 | Page 18

18 & March 2015 | Read this issue and more at www.healthandwellnessmagazine.net | Like us @healthykentucky 3. Have Fun: Instead of relying on technology to keep you occupied, take up a sport or hobby. Try kickboxing (it’s a great stress reducer); take a group hike; sign up for a cooking class; or sift through Meetup.com until you find a group with a topic that suits your interests. Whatever it is you decide to do, make sure it’s fun and fabulous! 4. Buddy System: Find a friend who is open to joining you on your goal to cut back technology usage. Whether it’s for exercise or to combat technology overuse, having a buddy is always a good idea as a means of support. 5. Balance is Best: When coupled with balance, there’s nothing wrong with technology. As with most things in life, moderation is king. There are many benefits to the world of technology as long as it doesn’t become all consuming. So, stop and smell the roses. Make sure they’re real roses – and not the ones created in Photoshop! POWER IT OFF! Are You Addicted To Technology? By Annette Racond, Staff Writer As technology becomes even more sophisticated, so does our dependence on sundry gadgets and devices. It’s nearly impossible to eat a meal in a restaurant – or even sit in a movie theater – without someone talking on the phone or glued to their cellphone screen. Many people are even oblivious to the fact that someone is sitting across from them at the dinner table. Technology has become the new addiction. Among other symptoms of technology addiction, many people experience a loss of interest in hobbies and social activities; an inability to shut off phones or other devices for even short periods of time; and making sure such devices are always at arm’s length. Some die-hard technology buffs are even getting physi- cal ailments, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Below are five suggestions for handling what you feel might be an addiction to technology. If the problem persists, there are programs, - such as The Bridge to Recovery in Bowling Green, Kentucky (www. thebridgetorecovery.com) - that work with individuals with a host of addictions – including technology addiction. 1. Just Say No: Elect to have a no technology day over the weekend – or any day you have a light schedule. Leave your technology gadgets in off mode (or pause) and fight the temptation to turn them back on until the desired time period has lapsed. If you feel compelled to quit your no-technology commitment by mid-morning, think about why you feel this way. Why does it feel almost life-threatening to spend the day sans technology? Is there anything comforting about being free of technology? If so, describe some of the benefits. About the Author Annette Racond is a Certified Health Coach who has had her work published in The New York Times, The Miami Herald, Chicago Sun-Times and Newsday, along with other major publications. 2. Be Here: While you’re in the company of friends and family, listen closely to what people around you are talking about and become aware of your surroundings. Practicing mindfulness can give you a different perspective on life. What does your food taste like? Can you feel empathy for the people around you? How does it feel to be immersed in the present moment? ? Do you have an inability to shut off phones or other devices for even short periods of time? Kentucky’s Leading Hair Replacement Facility • Genetic Hair Loss • Chemotherapy • Alopecia • Cosmetic Hair Replacement HAIR INSTITUTE, INC. 1795 Alysheba Way Suite 7101 Lexington, Ky 40509 - Laser Light Hair Therapy - Surgical and Non-Surgical Hair Restoration Options - Full Cranial Vacuum Prostheses - Enhancements and Integrations HAIR REPLACEMENT • HAIR RESTORATION • HAIR EXTENSIONS Professional • Confidential • Meticulous AMERICAN HAIR LOSS COUNCIL www.hairinstitutelexington.com 859.263.9811 ®