Manage your Web-Surfing Time Better
Manage your Web-Surfing Time Better

by Heidi Raker

Ever log onto the internet with the intention of staying on for only ten minutes? You’re probably thinking, “I’ll just check my emails.” But it rarely ever turns out that way. You end up aimlessly scrolling through Facebook, chatting with an old pal, or watching entertaining videos your friends have shared. The next thing you know, forty-five minutes have passed and you’re running late for your Pilates class.

A recent study shows that employees spend anywhere from three hours a week to two-and-half hours a day cyberloafing (also known as wasting time on the internet.) Whether you’re at work or at home, you can make time spent on the web more productive. Here are some tips on how to do just that:

Track Your Productivity

Before powering on your computer or tablet, think about what you will be doing online and how long it will take. If you plan on spending two hours on the web, at the end of your browsing session, look back and see what you have accomplished. Ask yourself these questions -- Did I achieve what I needed to get done? Did I spend any time cyberloafing?

Set a Timer

If you’re planning to do a quick Google search, limit yourself to how much time you’ll need. Set an actual timer on your computer, tablet or phone. This way, even if you’re beginning to doze off into the internet world, the alarm will snap you out of it when it rings.

Unplug From the Internet

It may sound easier said than done, but there are many ways to completely disconnect from the internet. This is a crucial tip especially if you’re on a time crunch and need to make deadlines for work. If you’re on your phone, you can switch it to an “airplane mode” setting which disables internet and data connection.  If you’re on the computer, there are many software apps that allow you to block websites that may hinder your productivity.

It’s easy to get sucked into endless surfing while on the web. Implementing the tips above may be hard at first, but in the end they will help you be a much smarter and more productive Internet user, so you can spend more time on family, friends, and yourself. 

 

Heidi Raker, mother of three tech-obsessed teens, has written about lifestyle products and parenting for over 30 years. She has a no-cellphone-at-meals policy, which remains one of her biggest family challenges.

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