Management Tip of the Day: 3 Tips to Avoid Wasting Time Online

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   AUTHORS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile JANUARY 29, 2010 3 Tips to Avoid Wasting Time Online If you are like most internet users, you've probably chastised yourself for wasting time on the web. Research has shown that our brains enjoy being distracted and that the internet feeds that distraction happily. To avoid wasting time online, try these three things: Stay healthy. Getting rest and eating right makes your brain less prone to distraction. Avoid known time wasters. If you've wasted too much time already on a blog or forum, don't go there again. Or, set limits on your time there. Work smart. Working long hours can tire your brain and make you more likely to seek out distraction. If you have to put in a long day, schedule breaks in advance and know what you will do with that time. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Why the Internet Is So Distracting (And What You Can Do About It)" by Jeff Stibel. Read the full post and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: RELATED PRODUCT Manage Your Energy, Not Your Time Harvard Business Review Article As the demands of the workplace keep rising, many people respond by putting in ever longer hours, which leads to burnout that costs both the organization and the employee. Meanwhile, people take for granted what fuels their capacity to work — their energy. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: ALSO OF INTEREST The Dangers of Distraction Managing Time: Pocket Mentor Series Stuffed Bird: Ignore the Distractions, Have Confidence, and Focus on the Task at Hand Opening Up and Letting Go: The Practice of Free Attention Death by Information Overload PREVIOUS TIPS Be a Better Listener How to Set Up a Growth Group 3 Steps for Asking for Help without Looking Stupid Get Creative by Zoning Out How to Manage Your Pet Peeve 4 Tips for Deciding Whether to Accept a Project How to Approach a Colleague Who Is Making Mistakes 3 Tips for Hiring Former Employees Want to Be Happier at Work? Take Ownership Look Beyond Your RBI HBR Online Trial Access HBR's in-depth business archives FREE for 14 days. Register today » UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2010 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 1-800-545-7685 (617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)