How can I reduce stress from too much cell phone and e-mail usage?

Get smart about your smart phone. It will help you get better focus and collect less accumulated stress. A new study has found an association between chronic use of web-enabled cell phones and a rise in stress levels. Many smart-phone users feel the ceaseless need to immediately review and respond to every incoming message or alert.

As this pattern grows, so does stress—especially when it is checked for personal reasons (for example, social networking), as opposed to work reasons. Luckily, it’s how you use the phone that matters, not the phone itself—so there is opportunity to develop a positive relationship to your phone.

• Try bulk-checking your e-mail or texts once an hour to break the “instant communication” factor.
• Practice doing one task at a time—either check your e-mail or instant chat or send a text. This will heighten your focus and may even build discipline.
• Take one day (or half a day) off from screens and surfing every week.
• Consider putting your phone in airplane mode after 9 p.m. until early morning.