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The ubiquity of technology has made it quite simple for us to manage just about everything.


Everything, that is, except our own attention.


The ease with which we can simultaneously craft an email, connect with a friend across the world and pay our bills has forced us into a multitasking habit that has actually decreased our efficiency, according to experts.


This digital overload, as Tony Schwartz, author of "Be Excellent At Anything[2] ", explained to The Huffington Post in an interview[3] , "makes for a very superficial experience." Schwartz says information in such excess becomes impossible to process, but hard to ignore.


"You end up feeling overwhelmed because what you have is an endless amount of facts without a way of connecting them into a meaningful story."


There are ways of using technology to our advantage while still being mindful of the need to unplug, recharge and be present[4] . Below, find Mindful's[5] common sense strategies for keeping your digital devices from ruling your life.




Also on HuffPost:




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  • Cook Yourself Up A Luxurious Brunch


    You deserve a breakfast that doesn't come shrink-wrapped every now and again, and cooking it yourself will make it all the more scrumptious. (<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/05/egg-recipes-breakfast-brunch_n_987844.html">Get some <em>egg</em>cellent inspiration, here.</a>)




  • Write A Note Of Gratitude To Your Best Friend


    ...when it <em>isn't</em> her birthday. Make a list of all the reasons she earns the title of BFF: She'll feel appreciated and grateful to have <em>you</em> in her life, and writing it will remind you how lucky you are to have her, too.




  • Get Moving


    Lace up your sneaks, leash up your love and GO. No matter how you decide to move, choose to leave your cell at home -- grant yourself this time to be present with <em>your own</em> thoughts, and not the thoughts of the Twittersphere.




  • Take A Nap


    You'll wake up refreshed and ready to tackle any problem that seemed impossible pre-snooze. (Want to take a nap at work? We're all for it! <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/26/how-to-nap-at-work_n_1232352.html">Find some tips, here.</a>)




  • Get Lost In Your City


    Google Maps has saved your life again and again, but it's dulled the wonders of wandering. Why not take a break from knowing where you're going and instead explore the undiscovered?




  • Ritualize Your Morning Cup Of Joe


    For a lot of us, our A.M. cup of coffee blends into the frantic "routine" of getting to work on time. Consider setting your alarm 10 minutes earlier to enjoy every aspect of your delicious morning ritual. (<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ora-nadrich/meditation-practice_b_2114526.html">Some tips to turn your morning cup of coffee into a meditation -- it works for tea, too!</a>)




  • Sit Like This


    Maybe you don't have time to unplug today. Fine. What about five minutes to sit? Good. Get yourself in this postion -- <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/22/stress-tips-yoga-poses_n_2736129.html?utm_hp_ref=gps-for-the-soul&ir=GPS%20for%20the%20Soul">Viparita Karani, or Legs Up the Wall</a> -- for just five minutes and feel the stress of the day evaporate.




  • Take An Art Class


    Remember when Art was your favorite subject in school? Relive that release of creativity. (Sampling the Elmer's Glue is not encouraged.)




  • Take A Page From Your Grandmother's Recipe Book


    Try crafting a meal from your roots, whether it's from a page of your Grandma's passed-down recipe book or the extravagant birthday dinner your dad used to cook you as a kid. One rule: No looking up the steps online!




  • Read A Book


    Preferably one with pages that you turn, not tap.




  • Dig Through Some Childhood Memorabilia


    Dust off those boxes of fourth grade genius: No one could compete with your report on Ulysses S. Grant (or so said your No. 1 fan: Mom). Revel in that fantastic feeling of nostalgia -- you are sure to find some gems!




  • Take A Bath


    It won't be long until waterproof phones become the norm. For now, light a candle and take a nice, long tech-free soak -- you'll emerge <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/09/bath-bomb-recipe_n_2431955.html">relaxed</a> and peaceful.




  • Feed The Ducks


    Talk about appreciating the present moment: Those ducks won't ignore you for their Instagram feed. You'll get their full attention in exchange for a little bread.




  • Declutter


    Pick a space in your home and get organized. Doing a bit of a home-cleanse will help you feel <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sophie-keller/declutter-home-cleanse_b_1166467.html">less chaotic on the inside</a>.




  • Write Stream Of Consciousness


    Whip out a pen and start scribbling -- you might be surprised to see all that's on your mind, without the interruptions and distractions from your external gadgets.




  • People Watch


    Pick a crowded part of town and observe: People are always up to curious things that you won't notice unless your head's up!




  • Host A Phone-Free Potluck


    Gather your gang for a night of culinary joy -- everyone should bring a dish, but leave their cells behind.




  • Volunteer


    Spend some time doing something good for someone else -- you'll reap the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/terri-cole/volunteering-health_b_2189477.html">many benefits of altruism</a>, and maybe even dig up a new hobby.




  • Play A Board Game


    Just because they recently <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/06/monopoly-cat-piece_n_2629561.html">swapped the iconic iron piece for a cat </a>doesn't mean your favorite classics aren't worth a revisit.




  • Related Video: The Doctors' 48-Hour Technology Detox