Hisham Sarwar
Although technology promises to improve the quality of life but this fun and exciting new relationship at first, is time-distorting and requires energy to maintain it. Its overuse is contributing to various negative psychological effects in real world. The new and better technology has unintended and unexpected effects that seemed helpful but is proving harmful for the people.
The trust and blind faith in technology has made us addictive to our smart devices. According to an analysis by Professor Cary Cooper of Manchester Business School, “Around 40% of individuals check e-mail first thing in the morning and the rest 40% follows it as night ritual before sleep”.
Digital way of earning our daily bread is having a negative effect on our well being
The digital technology is always on the cusp of new great things and this obsession of ours of continuously checking our e-mails and sticking to the social networking websites is increasing our stress levels. The stress levels are increasing for everyone but according to the General Manager at GFI Software, Sergio Galindo,
“Everybody gets a work life balance except for the poor IT guy”.
Tracing the Roots of Stress:
The level of stress for IT professionals is directly related to work situation, dealing with project deadlines and also working in an uncomfortable environment. Although other individuals do face stress related problems but IT professionals come under “people’s pressure” in the form of unclear supervision by the employers and weak inter-personal relationships with the executives.
This IT generation is the most educated workforce and prefers their career and financial success over family and relationships. But such attitudes of IT professionals are increasing stress levels in their real life situations. Their internet-based social interactions are more stressful for them than the others.
The use of internet for a longer duration produces clear changes in moods and it leaves negative impacts on your physical and emotional health. When you are stuck in a difficult situation, you feel powerless but you can manage this by focusing on one thing that is always within your control and that is “You”.
Reduce Stress by taking care of yourself:
When you are unable to manage work life balance, then it is time to take some necessary steps in order to perform your job effectively.
Regular Exercise:
Even though working on a computer make you feel mentally tired all the time but aerobics exercise is a very good way to stay fresh. Regular exercise increases the heart rate, brings better changes to your mood, and sharpens focus by relaxing both the mind and body.
Sleep Enough:
The worries and stress in the computer world result in lack of sleep in the form of Insomnia, which leads you to become more stressed. Quality of sleep matters and getting a good eight hour sleep can help bring positive effects in your work.
Food Choices to keep you more active:
Eating too much and eating too little can both make you feel restless and lethargic. So keeping a healthy diet can help you in the most stressful times.
Time Management:
Your time management for work is the key for achieving a work life balance. By creating a balanced schedule and not over committing yourself, you can focus on the “must projects” more easily.
According to Marie Osmond
“You need to be able to manage stress because hard time will come, and a positive outlook is what gets you through”.
Dealing with your stress in healthy and constructive ways can strengthen trust among people and can reduce stress quicker therefore flip away your negative thoughts and don’t try to control the uncontrollable.
