Tomim2B wrote on 03 Dec 2009 10:32:
... During that time I found that if I'd only be aware of how I'm using my time it would be easier for me to break away from my internet habits.
Here's what I did, and it may (or may not) be of help to you: Firstly, I downloaded a timer and set it to 15 minute intervals. Every time I'd use the internet, I'd start up the timer. Once it hit 15 minutes an alarm would sound and that would mean that it was time for me to get off the net and do something productive (in my case: eat, shower, daven, learn something, work, make a phone-call, or anything like that). In addition to this, I kept a spreadsheet open where I'd log my internet time and how I used the internet. Everything was on paper. Looking back at it at the end of the week, I'd notice that I'd be spending much less time on the internet (about a 3rd of the time) and that I'd be using it more productively. The solution for me was not to stop surfing. That would be more than I'd be able to handle. I just told myself that if I've got limited time on the internet it had better be productive. I wouldn't want to go over my alloted 15 minute time and have to pay a knas. It would be 15 minutes and a break away- which usually turned out to be much more than the time spent on the net.
I personally think that the reason we're able to spend so much time on the net, is because we zone out and lose awareness of the time. This "keeping track" should help tremendously in regard with that, and your time spent online will decrease on its own. One thing: In a work setting, I don't think a 15 minutes is a good idea. Start with a ratio of 85% work-time to 15% surfing-time (or something like that) and see how it goes. Play around with it till it works for you.
2B
I think that's a great idea. I find that I waste a lot of time viewing Kosher sites as well. I would like to try the same. Where do you get this timer to download?
