Computers have become ubiquitous in modern society and everyday Americans spend upwards of 10 hours a day staring at screens for work, school and fun. While technology has brought us many new innovations and advances, it can easily become a double-edged sword for people.

Being constantly connected to the news, our work and simply mastering the technology to connect with others can be stressful. But what if we could find a better way to use our technology to be more mindful?

Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment. We become more aware of our surroundings, but we’re not overly overwhelmed by the things around us. Being more mindful can help us reduce stress, feel more focused and be more present in the moment.

With our daily reliance on technology, can we be more present when we use our devices instead of using them as a tool for distraction? Well, there are some ways to help us be more present while we use our devices.

Mindful Breathing

Instead of rushing into the tasks at hand, when you open your computer to start working for the day take three mindful breaths. Pay attention to how your body rises and falls with each breath.

Focusing Fully

Try to avoid multitasking! Multitasking doesn’t allow our brain to fully focus on any of the tasks at hand. Instead of us focusing on both tasks at once, our brain just rapidly switches between two tasks, which leads to tasks taking much longer to complete.

Practice Unplugging

Take some time away from technology. It doesn’t have to be long, just an hour or two. During this time see if you can find other activities to do. It can be hard to unplug from technology, but taking breaks allows us to see how our reliance on technology affects us in our daily lives.

If you try any of these tips, let us know! Are there any other ways you can be more mindful with technology? Share them with us by tagging @discoveryplacescience on social media.