Steps to prevent Internet stress

Iternet dependents exhibit symptoms much like other addictions such as depression, nervousness and withdrawal from everyday activities

1. Schedule your personal and your work Internet use. Make sure you separate the two, so you’re aware of how much you’re using the Internet for entertainment and surfing.

2. Set a daily goal for your personal Internet use. Mark off the hours as you use them up -— and if you go over, turn off the computer.

3. Find real-life hobbies and activities you enjoy away from the computer. If you’re involved in art, sports, music or social activities, you’re less likely to spend lots of time on the Internet.

4. Take frequent breaks to rest your eyes, move around and stretch. Sitting for long, uninterrupted periods of time in front of a computer hurts your eyes, arms and back.

5. Evaluate how your Internet use is fitting in with your life. If you find it’s interfering with meals, relationships, your job or school work, it’s time to pull in the reins and get offline.

6. If you find it difficult to regulate your time on the Internet by yourself, find a friend or trusted counselor to hold you accountable. You can buy a device called a “SnoopStick,” which allows the holder to see what you’re doing on your computer at any time. There is also software that can limit your time and activities on your computer.

7. Seek help if you find that you’re spending excessive amounts of time online, feel nervous or anxious when you’re not online, see your relationships suffer, or if your Internet use is interfering with work, school or everyday life.