It has become fashionable to say that you're addicted to your BlackBerry. We laugh, we trade stories about the crazy habits we have around our BlackBerrys - we keep it by our bedside, take it to the bathroom, and cannot resist checking it whenever a new message comes in. According to a recent America Online poll, 41% of adults check their e-mail first thing in the morning, even before they brush their teeth.

But is it really funny, or do we know, deep inside, that there's something a little out of control? Because anything that is on your mind 24/7 is going to make you wonder if it's a little crazy sometimes (just like when you first fall in love - but that is only temporary, the BlackBerry high can last forever if we let it).

You probably make a pretty good case as to why you must be available and know what's going on at all times. I won't argue with you, as I know that wanting to make a change always has to come from you. But if in between all the jokes and BlackBerry love stories you've ever had that sinking feeling that your affection may be a little "off ", here are 3 great reasons why you should consider making a change:

1. Your efficiency is suffering

If you're letting incoming information, whether it's in the form of email, phone calls, voicemails, RSS feeds, tweets, or whatever, interrupt you each time they come in, you are not working at full efficiency.

Edward Hallowell, MD, author of "CrazyBusy: Overbooked, Overstretched, and About to Snap!" says that multitasking can cause the brain to overheat, like a car engine, because the brain cannot be at peak performance all day long - it needs periods of rest even during the day. So let your mind rest from technology and information at times - you can make it a habit to do this whenever you eat, for example. Take 15 or 30 minutes for lunch and just rest.

2. Email may not be good for your health

Reading your email can be stimulating, and depending on the email, can even make you tense. So if you're checking it close to your bedtime, it's probably affecting the quality of your sleep. Mark Rosekind, PhD, former director of the Fatigue Countermeasures Program at the NASA Ames Research Center explains that the stimulation puts you in a state where your brain is revved up and your body is stressed out, which is a less than ideal state to be in for getting a good night's rest.

Try to avoid email for at least 30 minutes before bedtime. Sleep is essential, and if you get enough of it, you will be healthier, feel more alert, and in the end, more productive. Isn't that what you're trying to accomplish in the first place?

3. Work and email isn't all there is

If something were to happen to you today, could you look back on your life and have a sense of fulfillment, a sense that you're satisfied with every aspect of it? If not, what is it that you're neglecting, where is your life out of balance? Everyone is different, and some people value balance more than others - so only you know the answer to that.

But if you have even an inkling that you're neglecting key people and areas in your life, turn off that device and go spend some time disconnected - you'll be surprised how making that a habit even for just 30 minutes a day will make you feel more in control and happier all around. And that feels good.

Eliminate "all or nothing" thinking - pick just ONE idea from this article, start implementing it NOW, and try it out CONSISTENTLY for 30 days. Even small changes can have a great and positive ripple effect.

Claudine Motto © 2008

Claudine Motto is a Time Management and Productivity coach who helps smart, successful professionals regain control of their time so they can stop spinning their wheels, achieve more goals than ever before, and feel more satisfied in the process. Get her special report on how to conquer procrastination at http://www.vistalnorte.com

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