What do you do to limit your computer time?
I know some of you use a kitchen timer (great idea) and a lot of you subscribe to blogs in a reader (me too!) but I am having trouble staying OFF of the computer lately. It's just so tempting when I walk by to check my email, and the next thing I know, I've been clicking around for 40 minutes or more. (gasp!)
We're leaving for Arkansas later this week and I have got to get some major stuff done around here. I just asked John if he'd take the laptop to work today so that I can stay off of it. He agreed. It's a drastic measure, but today is my only day at home and I need to check every single thing off of my (lengthy) list. I know if I have access to my computer, I'll waste time that I do NOT have to waste.
So, I'm curious...do you people have extraordinary will power, or do you have a few tricks up your sleeve that help you limit how much time you spend online? Seriously, what works for you?
33 comments:
Just a thought, how about taping a sheet of paper that has the verse, "she looks well to the ways of her household", right there over the keyboard, making a promise to yourself and God that you'll get a certain # of things done before you remove the paper?
I don't limit my time, but I need to. I've thought about only checking email if I have time to sit down and respond--otherwise waiting until a set time during the day when I have a chunk of time to get it all done at once.
The reader is helping immensely with blogs--no more clicking away to see who's updated.
And I'd really like to make Sundays a no computer at all day.
Good question...I'll be back to see how others have responded!
I don't limit my time, but certainly need to. I find myself sitting down to check a couple of things and end up sitting for way too long.
I usually use nap time as my computer time, though I do find myself checking email several times a day. I have been thinking about setting a time limit, but the problem will be sticking with it!! ;)
This is a great topic - and I am curious to hear what others have to say.
I am working on figuring out specific times that are my computer time - and then just turning it off when it's not that time. Because, it's amazing how much time slips away when I stop to check my email, and then just one blog, and then leave a comment or two...
I really like Bev's suggestion about the verse!
No help from me sista!! :)
Maybe if I threw my laptop away I could do it. Not gonna happen though. I just kind of do here and there throughout the day.
Going to Arkansas?? Jtown???
Be safe!
Fran
I packed away my laptop whenever it came to exams so that I won't be distracted and can focus on my studies. But I generally don't spend a lot of time on the computer. Here's one of the methods my friend tried. You can set a reminder on the computer or your mobile phone to turn off the computer after a specific period of time. It helped her. It might help you too! Cheers!
I plead the 5th...
i'm afraid i'm no help at all....
you must post your solution when you figure it out, though....i too love my computer too much...you know me, anything to avoid housework!
I give myself about 30 minutes int he morning before my kids wake up to check on all of you, and about an hour after they have gone to bed to recheck and to post.
I can't say that it works real well for me, but I have my computer time after everyone else is asleep. Of course, then I stay up way too late and pay for it the next day. But I hate for computer time to interfere with family time during the day (it still does sometimes). I need a better balance, just not sure how to find it.
I make sure all my rooms have been cleaned, beds made, dishes done, floors swept, etc before getting on the computer. I usually try to stay off the computer from noon till bedtime so the morning time is my computer time.
Where in Ar?
I don't turn the computer on until my list is done. If I turn it on then it sucks me in and I never get anything accomplished.
Also, I've started using Blogger's schedule function to post every other day. I find I usually have time to do my writing all at once (generally weekends) but not spread out. Scheduling lets me spread the posts out.
Hey! I found you through another blog - not sure which one so I suppose I wouldnt be thebest person to give you the advice you are seeking....sorry! ;-) Beautiful hiking pictures!
Ugh! I need help, too!
I've just been clicking away for 70 minutes, so I'm afraid I don't have this mastered at all. The new discipline I'm working on is making sure my Bible study for the day is completed before I let myself have computer time. I am eager to hear other's opinions on this topic.
I do use a reader which is such a help, and (like Joanne) I'm also thinking of making Sundays computer-free. Not sure I can stick to that long term though! :(
I try to keep my life schedule with out-of-the-house fun. Not only does it make my kids happy (and me, too, since I have a thing for fun), but it keeps me away from the laptop.
If I'm home for the day, I've been known to hibernate my computer if I just can't stay away. It makes it harder to do the whole, "Oh, I'm just going to see if I have any new e-mail..." routine.
Kind of like putting the candy in the freezer when you are trying to diet. Only less damaging to your hard drive than 30-degrees.
Meredith,
I just popped over from Holly's blog and I can't believe I haven't found you before now!!! I love Holly's pictures and so to see your "mountain climbing" pictures made me so happy!
So glad to find new friends. I only have a minute but I needed this question of the week and I'll have to come back later to comment.
Blessings,
Dori
Ummm...lately, I stink at this. Part of it is my "excuse" to work on the cookbook and reply to folks (which honestly I have been relying to an average of 20 people a day lately). But um...I need HELP!
So I will be thinking about putting up the verse that Bev gave you. That's a good 'un!
Yea, no good answer here....
God help us...we're all struggling aren't we?
It's just SO interesting.....
Hugs,
Julie
It is so funny that everyone struggles with this! Who knew a computer would be so addictive??
I definitely try not to let it interfere with family time. I try to only get on when there is nothing else going on or get on while I watch a TV show, then turn it off when the show is over. That way you kill two birds with one stone?
Interesting question!!
I think my husband would love to hide my computer!! He thinks I'm obsessed. I need to find a balance myself. I am supposed to be cleaning house even now...
No extraordinary will power here, unfortunately. I'm glad to see you posting about this...I've been really convicted about it lately in my own life.
Hey!
Andy takes the laptop to work... so it's more of a time-sucker in the evenings. When he leaves it home it sucks me in.
Although, if I have no email to respond to or comments to read, I usually get bored and get off...
No help from me either...and by the way I'm impressed by the lady that said she gets things done first and then doesn't use it from noon until ?--does that mean you get all that done by noon? Impressive. I guess it would help to get up when DH goes to work.
Mer...We'd love to see you guys if you have time when you are here. We have moved and we are actually on the hwy leaving town going to your in laws. I understand though if you don't.
Be safe!
Yikes! Touchy subject. I sure wish I had the magic solution, but it's a struggle for me too. If it's not blogs or email it's something else that sucks me in. There have been some good suggestions, but they all seem to take some will power and self control that I am lacking! I guess praying for that will be MY first step...!
I have no suggestions. I've found it's so easy to sit down for a minute and then an hour has gone by. I try not to let it interfere with family time but I have to be honest and say that at times it has. Especially during the day when it's just the kids and I. they can be outside playing and I'll be in front of the computer when I really should be out interacting with them. I can always come back to the computer after their bedtime when my husband is also working on the computer.
I REALLY liked the first suggestions by Bev! I hope you continue to get comments on this. Sounds like we all struggle at times.
Great idea to give hubby the computer!
I haven't really limited time but I do usually go online in the morning and at night. The afternoons I do the bookkeeping for the business and my own work, and if time my housework. LOL
Have fun Arkansas! Take lots of pics to share!
I tried blogging just 3 days a week, and then invariably on one of my "days" I wouldn't get to do it, or wouldn't have a post in mind. So, I'm sort of random. I'd say about 30 minutes in the a.m. and 45 in the p.m. is about my avg. I'm a big user of the kitchen timer when I'm feeling distractible.
I have to say--I'm glad I'm not the only one. ;)
Have fun on your trip! I've never been to AR.
definitely use a timer and read through Google Reader - only click through if you MUST comment :)
that works for me...
by the way, lovely blog with beautiful pics
Marcia, Organising Queen
http://organisingtips.blogspot.com
I am glad this was the question of the week. I enjoyed reading everyone's responses and it was a little comforting to know that I am not the only one that has a hard time finding balance. Since I am playing catch up on your blog you can see I am an all or nothing person when it comes to computer time. I like the verse idea and I have not thought about using a timer.
girl, what a deal!! My hubby calls my laptop my "boyfriend" because I'm usually sitting on the loveseat with him...I, too, spend too much time but I keep telling myself it's summer...there's not a routine here, no bedtime (for me, that is), no early rising...so I keep thinking once we start school (I homeschool) and get back in the groove..it will lessen, right??? :)
Seems we all have the same problem. Before I moved I had a schedule all workded out, even down to a Weekly Chore list on my Refrigerator. I would only go on the computer if I got done the things I needed to. It worked great. Since the move I haven't gotten back into a schedule, but it does work if you use it as a reward, and are very strict about sticking to your guns. Kind of like sticking to an excercize routine. Once you get into the groove, Its not that hard. If you get out of the habit, it takes an incredible amount of will power.
For lack of a better phrase "Good Luck" everyone.
Meredith, I love your blog. I'm so happy I found it.
Vickie
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