Research shows that you are likely to experience tech stress or rage (anger that technology isn’t working properly or is too slow) 40,000 times in your life. This may lead to throwing your phone across the room or smashing your computer.
You might ask yourself why someone would get so upset about his or her technology failing when we know it happens. Most people don’t go to the extent of smashing items. However, some people have difficulty controlling their anger. My guess is that the person who has an explosive temper is the one who would be most likely to engage in this behavior. You might be under a great deal of stress to reach a deadline, and your computer may prevent you from doing so. Anyone would become upset in this type of situation.
We have become even more and more dependent on our devices. It’s almost like a piece of us is missing when our phone or computer are out of service. We also expect the time to log on or boot up to be short, as we have become used to it. This becomes our expectations and when expectations are not met, we become upset.
Here are some ways to deal with tech stress.
- Do some deep breathing-Use this time to take some slow deep breaths. This will help you physiologically because as your breathing slows down, so does your heart rate.
- Practice mindfulness-Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to something in your office that you like-a plant, painting or picture. Focus on the colors and textures and appreciate the beauty of the item.
- Take a coffee break-don’t sit there and stare at your computer, it will not make it go any faster.
- Go for a walk. Exercise has proven to be a better stress reliever than medication. Get around and move. The change in scenery will serve as a mood changer.
- Visit other co-workers. It’s very easy to become isolated at work if you spend a lot of time with technology. Isolation and disconnection can lead to symptoms of depression. So socialize.
- Do desktop yoga. Simple stretches and moves can help relieve stress. You don’t even have to get up to do them.
Remember, if your computer freezes or is not working, getting angry will not help the situation. You can choose to remain calm or smash your computer, but obviously one will result in a better outcome than the other. Anger responses may feel good in the moment, but often times there is regret in the fall out.
I have to laugh, as I was writing this blog, my screen froze. As a result, I tried to wait it out by doing some other things and it remained frozen. I ended up doing a screen shot of my blog, as well as taking a photo of it on my phone-thankfully, as I was unable to retrieve the document. Like you, my technology failed-and it has done it enough so, that I choose to remain calm. Because getting angry or frustrated will only ruin my day.
If anger is something you struggle with, please call me at 713-304-6554.
