by Ris

Created on: April 11, 2009   Last Updated: September 08, 2010

If you could turn back the hands of time, before instant messengers, cell phones and video game consoles, would you?

An editorial published in The American Journal of Psychiatry reports, "Internet addiction-including excessive gaming, sexual pre-occupations and e-mail/text messaging-is a common compulsive-impulsive disorder that should be added to psychiatry's official guidebook of mental disorders." People who regularly disconnect from life-and 'connect' via a high-speed cable connection-often feel unbalanced and unhappy. In an effort to prevent depression and keep your life in balance, you should develop a healthy daily routine.

Bedroom

With the exception of an alarm clock and a lamp, you should remove all electronics from the bedroom. Televisions, computers, cell phone, MP3 players and gaming consoles will keep you up at night. Additionally, these distractions will cut into 'couple time' in the bedroom. If you wish to restore balance in your life, you must free yourself from distractions; especially in the bedroom, a place that's meant for rest and relaxation.  Resist the urge to drag your laptop into bed; do not go into the living room to watch TV. If you have trouble falling asleep, read a book.

Bonding Time

Turn off your cell phone when you're spending time with friends and family. When you're eating a meal, watching a movie or sitting around the table with loved ones, it's important to 'disconnect' from clients and co-workers. Unless you're a doctor and you're on call 24/7, there's no reason to sit at the table and talk and text for hours on end. Your family and friends deserve your attention; spend quality time with them. Your cell phone isn't going anywhere; it will be there later.

Fresh Air

Take a walk. When you have spare time, don't jump online to check your e-mail or play a video game; get some fresh air. Before you walk out the door, empty your pockets and leave all electronic devices-even the phone and MP3 player-at home. If you have pets, take them for a walk, too. If you've been feeling gloomy and unbalanced, walk for twenty minutes each day to get your fill of vitamin D from the sun. Enjoy the sounds of nature and devote this time to yourself.

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